Total pages in book: 57
Estimated words: 53862 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53862 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 269(@200wpm)___ 215(@250wpm)___ 180(@300wpm)
She chewed on her bottom lip for a moment. “That sounds like heaven. I really need to sleep. Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Lyra, there’s a lot about me you need to know, but not tonight. Tonight, you need rest. Tomorrow, I’ll explain more to you about who I am and what I really do here at Danger Bluff.”
She hesitated. “Okay.”
“Good girl. Shall we go inside now?”
“Yes.”
Phoenix opened the door, hopped down, and then lifted Lyra out to set her on her feet. He threaded his fingers with hers and led her toward the front entrance of the resort.
Damn, she felt good by his side. Her scent had filled the SUV, and after leaning in close to her for so long, he had it memorized. Vanilla. Maybe it was her shampoo.
He couldn’t wait to explain everything to her, and he prayed she wouldn’t freak out and tell him to take a hike. He needed to pace himself and watch her closely. She probably had no idea she had Little tendencies. He also suspected she’d only slept with the one man, and he’d been a douche.
Did she know she was leaning into his side and holding onto his arm as though they were a committed couple who’d been together for years? Did she know how hard his cock had gotten when she’d reacted so positively to the idea of being spanked? Of course not.
It was going to be a long night. Once he got her tucked into bed, he intended to dig deeper into the file Kingsley had sent him. He also intended to find out everything he could about Boyd. That asshole had no idea that his cellist was no longer going to kowtow to him.
He would undoubtedly come here and try to get Lyra to leave with him, but he would fail. If Phoenix had his way, the man would never even get the opportunity to see her in person. He didn’t deserve to.
What scheme are you up to, Boyd?
The man was about to have a rude awakening because whatever he was using Lyra for was coming to an abrupt halt, starting now.
Chapter Three
Lyra had no idea what had gotten into her. She was gripping onto this giant man’s arm as if he were her boyfriend. She’d just met him. Maybe she’d hit her head on the steering wheel or something. Maybe she was still in the car, knocked out and imagining she’d been rescued by an enormous, sexy man who looked like he could bench-press her with one hand.
Lord knew her life was so boring that she deserved a larger-than-life savior, even if he was imaginary.
When they stepped into the lobby, she suddenly found a few brain cells and stood taller. “Oh, crap. My cello. Where do you think Caesar put it?” When she started to release her death grip on Phoenix’s arm, he covered her hands with his and kept her closer.
A woman was at the front desk, and she smiled at them as they approached. “Hi, Lyra. So nice to meet you. I’m Sadie. We spoke on the phone yesterday.”
Was Sadie bouncing on her feet? The woman seemed far too excited to be greeting a guest. Maybe she was a huge fan of Lyra’s work and couldn’t wait to hear her.
“Thank you for hiring me. You’re a lifesaver.” It wasn’t that Lyra needed the money, and the resort wasn’t paying much. This job would be nothing like the concert halls where she performed.
Lyra had seen the job ad and called the resort on a whim. She had been looking forward to it ever since. Playing quietly in the background for guests sounded luxurious. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been able to simply relax and play without spotlights and concert halls filled to capacity.
Sadie lifted her gaze to Phoenix. “Caesar took Lyra’s things to your apartment. I hope that was okay?”
“Yes. Thank you.” He patted her hand. “Lyra is exhausted. I’m going to get her settled so she can get some sleep.”
“Good idea.” Sadie gave Lyra a friendly wave. “See you tomorrow.”
As Phoenix guided Lyra across the lobby, she asked, “Why would Caesar put my things in your apartment? That was presumptuous. I’m kind of embarrassed. Did he think I was going to sleep with you just because we were talking in the car?”
“No, Little one. He knows me well. He’s well aware that I would never disrespect a woman. He also knows how strongly I felt about you from the moment I met you.”
“How would he know that?”
He glanced down at her and smiled. “Caesar and I are part of a team of six men who work together here at the resort. We’re like family. We know each other very well, Little one.”
She bit into her bottom lip as he called her Little one for the millionth time. It was such an odd term of endearment, and it did something to her. It felt like a warm blanket in front of the fireplace. The endearment made her feel cherished in a way she hadn’t in a long time. It was kindness and caring. It made her heart beat faster and her dormant sexuality come alive.