CHAPTER 16

The ride back from the auction was quiet, but tension crackled in the air between us. The moment we stepped into the car, I could feel Heinrich’s gaze on me, as if he was waiting for something.

I fastened my seatbelt quickly, trying to act as if my heart wasn’t still racing from what I’d just done. Kissing Heinrich in front of Jesse had been impulsive, but the way his arms had tightened around me, the way his lips had lingered on mine, had left me breathless.

I tried to convince myself it was all just an act—a way to put Jesse in her place. But deep down, I knew that wasn’t entirely true.

I shook the thought away.

Just as I finished securing my seatbelt, Heinrich reached over, his large hand wrapping around my wrist.

I frowned. “What are you—”

“Come here.” His voice was low, commanding.

I blinked. “What?”

He patted his lap, his eyes glinting with amusement. “You heard me.”

I scoffed, yanking my wrist away. “You’re insane if you think I’m sitting on your lap.”