Total pages in book: 152
Estimated words: 155037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 775(@200wpm)___ 620(@250wpm)___ 517(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 155037 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 775(@200wpm)___ 620(@250wpm)___ 517(@300wpm)
“You think that could be you?” she said with a bravado he didn’t think she quite felt.
She seemed to feel the need to push him away. And that was fine. He was here for the fight. He didn’t need her to immediately fall at his feet and suck his dick.
That could come later.
And it would feel that much sweeter.
“Yep. And deep down, so do you. I didn’t tell you to leave because I didn’t want you.”
She frowned, looking confused. Then she seemed to get it. “Are you talking about the other night in The Wishing Well?”
“Yep.”
She glanced down at how he was pressed in between her legs. Her thighs around his hips. “But then, why did you?”
“That kiss was fucking everything.” He ran a finger over her wet lip.
“Really?” she asked.
“Why does that shock you, baby?”
“I don’t know . . . sometimes it feels like you don’t like me much. Like when you frown at me.” She chewed her lip. “And tell me to go.”
Shit.
“I don’t frown because I don’t like you. I think you’re gorgeous, sweet, and kind. I want to touch and taste you all over. I sent you away because if we’d stayed there, with you looking at me like that, I would have bent you over right there and taken you. You threaten my control.”
She huffed out a breath, though he could see the heat in her eyes. “Are you running out of words? Pretty sure this is the most I’ve ever heard you speak.”
“Brat. And yeah, been saving them up.”
She giggled. Then she looked surprised at her reaction before waggling a finger at him. “Don’t you know that clear communication in a relationship is essential? Not that we have a relationship. I mean . . . I don’t think we’re . . . well, you are saying some strange things, but I—”
“Quiet,” he said in a firm voice.
“Oh, thank fuck. I thought you were never going to stop me.”
“Isa, I said quiet.” He kept his voice low. He’d never raise it. Never lose his temper in front of her. He hadn’t gotten truly angry in years. Not enough to yell or fight, anyway.
Her mouth was open again as she stared up at him. Damn, he wanted to slide something between her lips.
He raised an eyebrow. “Made some wrong assumptions when I met you. Not proud of them. But I know who you are now.”
“Because you watch me all the time?” She slammed her hand over her mouth. “SorryIforgottobequiet.”
The words were muffled behind her hand. But he understood her. Sighing, he shook his head. “You are such a brat. Speak.”
“Why do you watch me? I know that some of the guys have told you to stop.”
“They have.”
“But you haven’t.”
“Nope,” he replied. “I don’t do what other people tell me to.”
“That must be nice. Maybe I should try that.”
“You can do that.” He nodded.
She gave him a suspicious look. Oh, she was smart. He liked that.
“With anyone but me,” he added.
“I didn’t agree to anything.”
“Maybe not yet. But I’m a patient man.” He thought he’d proven that. He’d watched over her for a long time. He’d fought this pull toward her. For her own sake more than his.
But fighting it had become impossible.
“So why do you watch me?” she whispered.
“Because you belong to me. And I take care of my own.”
9
Because you belong to me. And I take care of my own.
Those words were still playing over and over in her head hours later. She’d burned the batch of cupcakes baking in the oven while they were talking. Which had completely frazzled her. He’d had to calm her down by telling her that she didn’t have to do anything right now about the two of them.
That he would wait for her to be ready.
Although he hadn’t told her that she could think about whether she wanted to be with him or not.
Because Isa got the feeling that he didn’t intend to let her say no.
And how did that make her feel?
You’ve got a man who wants you . . . who says you’re his. And he doesn’t seem like he intends to take no for an answer.
Red flag.
And yet, she hadn’t kicked him out. Hadn’t threatened to call the cops. She hadn’t done anything for the last few hours but work next to him as they made cupcakes.
He was surprisingly good at taking orders for a guy who seemed more inclined to give them. She’d mixed up batter and he’d poured everything out, taking over most of the cleaning while she’d then iced some.
God, she wasn’t sure she could think about all of this now. There was too much going on in her brain.
“Isa? Isa?”
“What?” she snapped. Then she winced. What was she doing? “Sorry. I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to snap.”
“Hey, it’s all right. Just breathe. Breathe.” He placed his large hand on the back of her neck and squeezed lightly. “That’s it. Good girl.”