Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 92180 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 92180 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 461(@200wpm)___ 369(@250wpm)___ 307(@300wpm)
That feral feeling of wanting to snarl at any male intruder creeps back in, and I have to force it away.
I can’t deny that he’s caught me in an awkward situation, mostly naked in Brienne’s kitchen, cooking breakfast. I alleviate the discomfort by nodding toward the coffee maker, which is really a huge, fancy espresso machine. Too many valves to mess with. “I couldn’t figure out how to work that thing.”
“I’ll be glad to get you a cup, sir,” he says formally, and I’m not sure if I’m hearing disdain in his voice or if maybe he’s just overly formal.
“This isn’t what it looks like,” I say as I go back to cooking, even though it’s exactly what it looks like. He saw me come in with Brienne last night, and now I’m here, in my underwear, making breakfast.
“No judgment, Mr. McGinn,” Daniel replies as he pulls a lever or pushes a button that makes the coffee machine hiss.
“So you know who I am.” My words are cautious… prodding to test his reaction. I pour the eggs into another skillet I’d had heating.
“You can’t be employed by the Norcross family and not be a Titans fan.”
I hear amusement in his voice, and I’m relieved. Daniel turns from the machine and hands me a steaming cup of coffee. “You look like you’re the type who takes it black.”
Nodding, I accept the brew and sip before setting it on the counter. “Thanks.” As I stir the eggs, I say, “You know this can’t get out.”
“I understand your privacy is important, sir.”
“Fuck my privacy,” I growl as I spare him a glance. “It’s already been invaded over the past year, but this could hurt Brienne. She would be the one to bear the brunt of any backlash.”
I’m relieved when I see respect fill his eyes, which tells me he’s loyal to her. I’m hoping it’s just as an employee and not as a bed warmer when I’m not here, but it’s not like I can ask him that.
Besides, I admonish, it’s none of your fucking business what she does when you’re not around. Just as it’s none of her business what you do.
“Oh my dear God,” Brienne says as she walks into the kitchen, belting a robe around her body. Her hair is a mess, and a flash of pride washes through me when I see a hickey at that curve where her neck and shoulder meet. “You’re naked.”
She can’t see me fully as I’m behind the large kitchen island. I glance down and then up at her with a grin. “Not totally naked.”
“I’m going to make a grocery run,” Daniel announces, and Brienne’s eyes flit to him. I see no wariness or concern from her that he’s found me here, which confirms he’s loyal.
But exactly what is the basis of that loyalty?
Daniel makes a quiet but hasty exit, and Brienne rounds the counter, straight to the coffee machine. “That must have totally freaked him out,” she says with a tinkling laugh. “He left without offering to make me coffee, which he’ll later consider a serious breach of his duties.”
Eggs fully scrambled, I turn off the heat and remove the pan to set on the counter. I move into Brienne’s back and wrap my arms around her waist. She tenses slightly, because we don’t do affection.
But my touch has a purpose. “Just exactly how serious is Daniel in his loyalty to you?”
She doesn’t lean back into me but busies herself making what looks like a fancy, frothy drink. “If you mean will he say anything, he won’t.”
“I sensed that. But why is he so loyal?”
Brienne shrugs. “He’s been a Norcross employee for a long time. He’s paid well with great benefits, so—”
“What kind of benefits?”
And now she catches on, turning in my arms and leaning back to regard me with narrowed eyes. “What are you implying?”
“You know what I’m implying,” I say, leaning in to drag a kiss along her jaw. “He’s a good-looking guy.”
Brienne pushes at my chest and snaps, “Well, if you’re into him, I can put in a good word for you.”
Laughing, I pull back slightly, but I tighten my hold. “Not interested in him or anyone else.” I’m relieved by her anger, because it confirms there’s nothing between them. “I am interested in feeding you some food and then fucking you on the counter before I have to leave. Preferably before Daniel gets back as that would indeed be awkward.”
Brienne relaxes and nudges me playfully. “You are not fucking me on the counter because he could indeed walk in on us.”
That only makes me pull her in closer, my hands going to her ass to press her to me. “Bet I can make you change your mind.”
She sighs in defeat. “You can totally get me to change my mind with your whole alpha, sex-god mojo.”