Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 119152 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119152 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 596(@200wpm)___ 477(@250wpm)___ 397(@300wpm)
She leans over and cups my cheek. “That’s over. We’re past that.”
“Are we? Because I need to make sure. I don’t want you holding anything over me. I know I messed up. I should have come home and been straight with you. Not let my emotions get the best of me.”
“The emotions associated with being worried the best thing that’s ever happened to you was going to walk out of your life?”
“Damn straight.” I pounce on her. The cutest damn squeal falls off her tongue. My body blankets hers, and I lean in, stopping an inch from her delicious mouth. “I need you to promise me you’ll stay away from Jenny.”
“Why? I’d rather just call her out and get it over with—”
“Just until I can get Levi to run a background check on her.”
“Okay, that’s going a little too far, don’t you think?”
“I’ve been doing this job a long fuckin’ time. I know when something doesn’t add up. This ain’t adding up, Mak.”
I look at her, needing her to see the seriousness in my eyes. “You really think she caused the fire? Intentionally?”
“I do. And I’m pretty sure I proved it. I’m sorry. I know you think she’s your friend, but what do you really know about her? Where was she before this? You sure her last name is even Swanson?”
She thinks about my questions, her brows creasing. “Honestly, I didn’t even know that was her last name. But no, there’s never been a time where I’ve felt the need to grill her about her past. She’s never really given me a reason to. We hit it off right away. She didn’t seem so different from me.”
“Don’t ever put her in the same category as you. You’re perfect and sexy and all I think about. She, on the other hand, is not right. Until I get the answers I’m looking for, I want you to stay away from her. Please.”
It takes her a moment to concede, but thankfully, she nods. “Sure, but I’m telling you, I think this is a bit overdramatic. I’ve never gotten any malicious vibes from her. I truly think you’re being paranoid.”
“If it proves otherwise, you can spank me and tell me what a bad boy I’ve been. You can ground me and force me to do naughty things to you.”
I love the way her eyes light up. My girl is frisky as hell. “Fine. You have a deal. You renege, though, there’ll be consequences.”
I finally grant myself the softness of her plump lips. “Oh, tell me more.”
“Cuffing you to a bed will be child’s play.”
“Your filthy mouth’s turning me on.”
“Yours should be doing things other than talking—yeah, right there. . .” Her words fade as I latch onto her perky tit and suck it into my mouth.
“What are you going to do today?” I ask, my teeth grazing her nipple.
“Go to work. See if Jenny wants to hang. Shit. . .” she moans as I bite down.
“Try again.”
“Work, home, bed. Naked and waiting. Do more of that.”
The mention of work spoils my appetite. I regret taking the shift for Abel, but I owe him. “Speaking of. . .” I press a quick kiss to her lips. “If I go any further, neither of us will leave this bed.”
“You say that like it’s a bad thing.”
“There’s nothing bad about feasting on you all day. But today, getting answers and making sure you’re not in danger is my first priority.”
She rolls her eyes. “Okay, Dad.”
A deep growl rolls off my tongue. I dip low and take her earlobe into my mouth, then whisper, “That’s brother dearest to you. . .”
Chapter 35
Makayla
I don’t know how I’m going to make it through work all day. For a minute there, I thought my brother was going to give in and throw us back in bed. His dominance when he wants something is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It’s sexy, intense, and so darn swoon-worthy. I’m not one to take orders from a man, but holy-melting-panties does Ben do it with such finesse. His demands are sugary sweet treats, and I’m a kid with a sugar tooth, ready and willing.
But he was right. We both needed to go to work. Now, I’m here, daydreaming like a teenage schoolgirl about the future and possibilities. In all that went down last night, I never got to tell him about the job. And this morning, he was too concerned with making sure I steer clear of Jenny. Since Ben was so adamant, I’m letting him win this one. I’m sure it will all get cleared up, and he can get off this train of not liking her. And the fib about the ex? Well, there is that. Why would she go out of her way to lie to Ben like that? I know she likes him, but would she interfere and cause trouble like that? The last time we spoke about Ben, she didn’t seem like his biggest fan.