Rage (Benson Security 3)

“I don’t know why I keep jumping you,” she blurted, and then flushed a deep shade of red.

“Because I’m irresistible?” He arched his eyebrows and wondered what else there was to say.

Her smile was wide, and her shoulders relaxed. “It must be that. But”—she pulled her bottom lip in between her teeth—“I don’t want a relationship, Callum.”

For some reason, that statement irritated him. Even though he’d just been thinking the same thing. “We’re on the same page. No relationships.”

Her whole body relaxed at his agreement, which was kind of insulting.

“Good, that’s good. I’ve got enough to deal with, and I’m obviously rubbish at relationships. I’ve decided being alone forever is the way to go. It fits me.”

Her words could have come straight out of his own mouth. Hearing them come back at him made them seem ludicrous. “I never asked for a relationship.” Now he sounded irritated with her, when really it was irritation with himself.

“I know.” She held up her hands. “I’m glad we’re on the same page. I’ll try to control myself around you. I promise.”

Now that really annoyed him. When he scowled at her instead of answering, Isobel let out a little sigh.

“Okay then.” She backed up into the hall. “Guess I’ll see you in the morning.”

Callum grunted and she disappeared. He reached for the TV remote again, before remembering there was nothing to watch. All he could do was clean his gun and hope he got a chance to use it. The short conversation with Isobel had really gotten under his skin. Logic told him that they understood each other, that neither of them wanted the baggage of another person in their lives. But logic didn’t explain the need riding him, a need that only Isobel could satisfy. It also didn’t explain why his first reaction at hearing her say she didn’t want him, was intense disappointment.

With a growl of frustration, he started dismantling his gun.

CHAPTER 14

Isobel woke to a hand covering her mouth and tried to scream.

“Stop. There are people in the house. I need you to listen.”

Callum. It took a second for his words to register.

People in the house.

She was instantly awake, her eyes latching on to his. She felt panic rise and knew she had to stop it. She had to be calm for her kids. She stared into his calm eyes and worked at breathing evenly. He was her lifeline.

“I’m going to remove my hand. It’s okay. You’re going to be fine.”

She nodded to let him know she understood. His hand disappeared. Isobel fought the disorientation she felt. It had taken hours to get past feeling sexually frustrated and fall asleep. She glanced at the clock beside her bed—four a.m.

Callum loomed over her. “Get your daughter. Keep her quiet. I’ll be back in a second. I’m going to get Jack.”

He turned away, and Isobel had to fight the urge to reach out and grab his arm to keep him with her. He disappeared through the door, moving as silently as a stalking cat. Isobel pulled jeans and a sweatshirt over the underwear and T-shirt she slept in, slipped her feet into the sneakers beside her bed and leaned over her daughter.

“Sophie baby,” she whispered, “you need to wake up.”

All her daughter did was turn away and burrow herself deeper under her bedding.

“Sophie.” Isobel tugged at the blankets until she’d unearthed most of the child. Sophie was cuddling her favourite soft toy, a giraffe, and was wearing the matching onesie. “Sophie. Get up now. Come on. This is important.”

“Don’ wanna,” the little devil muttered, refusing to open her eyes.

Isobel didn’t know what to do. She couldn’t make any noise, and she was worried if she pushed Sophie much more, she’d wake up screaming her protest. She felt a whisper of air behind her and turned to find Callum and Jack. When had Jack become so silent and deadly looking? If felt as if the whole world was upside down.

“Get her up,” Callum ordered.

What did he think she was doing? “I’m trying. I don’t want her to start crying.”

“Move.” He stepped into her space, reached into the bed and lifted Sophie out of it.