“That why she has the bruises and the broken wrist?”
Wade stiffened. “That happened before we were brought in, smart-ass.”
“Ah, I see.” Dean started back toward the stairs, his grin once again in place. “Wel , we’l let you get back to protecting and serving.”
Again Gracie blushed. Damn, she hated when she did that. It was a big, flashing sign that stated: Look at me! I’m embarrassed!
“Do you two mind checking out that apartment without me?”
Deanna spoke up this time. “Don’t sweat it.”
“Thanks. I’l make it up to you.”
“Dinner at the Squeeze,” Dean was quick to say.
Wade rol ed his eyes. “You would pick that place.”
Curious, Gracie asked, “What’s the Squeeze?”
“Only one of the most expensive seafood restaurants around,” Wade grumbled.
Gracie suddenly felt selfish, and terribly guilty. She was keeping him from his family, and that wasn’t right. “You could always go with them. I’m sure I’l be fine here alone for a while. Besides, Jonas is right next door.”
Wade’s expression tightened, his eyes glittering with anger. “You trying to get rid of me, Gracie?”
“Of course not! But your family needs you right now. Besides, I doubt my stalker knows where you live, Wade. I’m sure I’l be fine.”
“No.”
His tone brooked no argument, which immediately pissed her off. “No?”
He crossed his arms over his chest. “No. I’m not leaving you unprotected. And I’m not leaving you in Jonas’s care either, so get that notion out of your head right now.”
“You’re being incredibly stubborn. Again.” She heard Dean chuckle, and she glared over at him. “Do you have something to add?”
He held up both hands, palms out. “We were just leaving. We’l , uh, cal you later, Wade.”
Dean started down the stairs, but Deanna hung back. Wade passed a hand over his face and sighed. “Was there something else, sis?”
The beautiful woman, whom she’d been so jealous of moments earlier, gave her an admiring look before turning her attention to Wade. “I like her. She’s got backbone.”
Gracie was stunned and admittedly flattered. Her supposed backbone fairly melted, however, when Wade looked down at her and murmured, “That’s what I’ve been trying to tel her.”
“Just don’t screw it up.”
Wade’s gaze shot to his sister’s. “Gee, thanks for the vote of confidence.”
She blew him a kiss, then disappeared down the stairs. And Gracie was once again alone in the library with Wade.
“Where were we?” he whispered. “Ah, yes. We never finished our conversation. Wil you give me obedience in the bedroom, Gracie? Wil you submit to me?”
There was a smal part of her that wanted to argue. To shoot him down for even daring to ask such a thing. But there was a much bigger part aching to do exactly what Wade wanted. A tiny battle waged inside of her, but it was an unfair fight. “Yes.”
“You won’t regret it, sweetheart.” His voice had changed, lowering to a velvety whisper.
Gracie felt him caressing her arms. His strokes were so gentle, like a butterfly’s wings. He so easily kept her off balance. One minute demanding; the next caressing. “Wade?”
“I’m hungry,” he murmured.