Mastered by Malone (Haven, Texas 6)

She hoped he didn’t see the way her hands were trembling.

“Mia, look at me.”

His voice was still gentle. How long was he going to kneel there staring at her? Couldn’t he see she was busy?

“Mia. Eyes on me. Now.”

The command in his voice was impossible for her to ignore. She raised her eyes to his.

“Should have known that would work,” he muttered.

“What?”

“Nothing.” He stared into her eyes. “Mia, what are you doing?”

“Cleaning up the brownie,” she replied. She dropped her gaze back to the mess.

“Mia. Eyes.”

Damn it. Why couldn’t he let her hide? She opened her eyes, stared into his brown orbs, and wished she’d just hidden in her closet tonight instead of coming down here to bake.

“Why are you making brownies at two in the morning?”

Fuck. Shit.

“Because they’re West’s favorite.”

He blinked at her answer, looking more than a little surprised. “And why are you making West’s favorite?”

The rough note to his voice made her flinch.

He sighed. “Damn it, wi

ll you stop looking at me like I’m going to hurt you?”

“I didn’t . . . that wasn’t . . . ” she took a deep breath, “I’m not scared of you.”

“Then why did you flinch away from me?”

“I’m not sure.” And she couldn’t believe she was having this conversation. “I just . . . I guess you intimidate me a little. I’m making it because it’s his turn. I’ve made all of your other brothers their favorite desserts and it’s West’s turn. Even though he can be a jerk.”

He didn’t say anything to that. Just stood and held out his hand.

“I have to clean this up.”

“No, you need to get to bed. It’s two a.m. You’re pale and tired.”

“I can’t just leave this mess here.” She gave him an appalled look.

“You can’t?” Did his lips just twitch? Was he laughing at her? “I’ll clean it up, little worrier. Come on. Up you get.”

“I’ll help you,” she said, surprising herself. She should be taking the out and getting the hell away from him. He was far too much for her. Too scary, too handsome, too dominant. And yet she couldn’t help but stare at his hand and wonder what it would feel like to have him touch her. To have him run that hand down her body, over her stomach to squeeze her breast.

“No.”

“No?” What was he saying no to? Oh, shit, she really should be paying more attention.

“No, you’re not helping me. You’re going to bed as I just said. Now get. Before I decide to tuck you in myself.” There was a dark note of promise in his voice.