“I’m practically naked. I’m totally fired, aren’t I?” With her eyes wide and pleading, murderous thoughts race through my brain with Carl’s face front and center.
I cup her face and say, “No, you’re not, but I need to take care of you. Have you ever done drugs before?”
“No. Nope. Nothing.” Her pupils are dilated, and she’s starting to run her tongue over her teeth. “Do you want to have a snowball fight?”
“What?”
“I feel like running a marathon. Damn, and I don’t even like running for fun. God, you’re sexy as hell. I thought of touching myself tonight while thinking about you, but there was no privacy.”
“Woman, you’re fucking wasted. I’m going to get you some water and get some food in you. Shit.” I did not need to know that at this moment. I’m about to come in my jeans like a teenager.
“You don’t want me. That bastard wanted me. I’m lucky I made it out of there alive, and then I almost crashed and you saved me. You’re gorgeous. Oh my God. I left Cara there.”
“Did he touch you, Clover?”
“He tried, but I ran and Cara laughed.” What kind of cousin is she? I could ring her neck as well. She’s lucky she brought Clover to me first.
“Fucking bitch,” I snarl under my breath.
“Don’t be mean. Cara was on drugs. She needs help.”
“She does, but I’ll never let anyone hurt you again, Lucky. It’s time for bed.”
“I’m not tired.”
My dogs come padding inside from their doggy door and then up to us. “Oh my goodness. They’re adorable.” She bends down and lets my two border collies sniff her hand before she pets them. “What are your names?” she coos, rubbing their heads.
“That’s Links and Cakes.” They’re both black and white with a hint of brown in their fur, but Cakes has blue eyes, and Links has brown.
“Those are cool names. How did you come up with them?”
“For sausage links and pancakes. When I started the diner, a stray dog had pups behind the dumpster. Unfortunately the mother had been too weak to survive, but I took in the pups.”
“Ah that’s so sad and adorable at the same time. Look at your daddy. He’s so sweet,” she cooes at them, rubbing their ears. “I could play with them forever.” They lick her face and nudge their heads all over her, making me insanely jealous. I’m fucking pathetic.
“Well, you can tomorrow. Right now, you’re going to bed.”
“Are you coming with me?” She turns her pretty eyes on me, and it takes all my will to resist.
I shake my head once. “No. I have things to do.”
“What if they come after me again?” The genuine fear in her voice hits me like a brick. I forget my need to take a step back.
I lean down and stare into her eyes. “They won’t. They don’t have any idea where you are.” I pick her up and carry her to my bedroom. I shouldn’t have, so I’m doing my best to think of my plan for afterward and not her half-naked body pressed firmly against me. She’s mine, and I’m hers. First, I’m going to get her head cleared and to sleep. Then I’m going to go to work while formulating my plan. I won’t strike right away unless he forces my hand. He tried to rape my woman; I’ll torture the son of a bitch before I kill him.
“Baby, you need to lie down.” I take her hand and help her to my bed. I groan when she pats the spot next to her.
“For a couple of minutes, Clover.” I climb in beside her, knowing this is a foolish move because I’ll want to stay. There’s way too much to handle, and I have to check in with the guys. Besides, she’s higher than a kite right now, and I’d never take advantage of her.
“I love when you call me ‘baby.’” She sighs, turning her body to snuggle against me. Her head rests on my chest while her hand runs south, inching a little too close to my cock. I grab it and slide it up, holding it in mine on my torso.
“Well, go to sleep. We’ll talk later.”
“You are no fun,” she huffs adorably while attempting to grind her legs over mine.
I pin hers down with my leg over both of hers. “Sorry, baby. I’ll try harder next time. Just rest. I need that cocaine out of your system before I show you everything I plan to do to you.”
“Do you even want to fuck me?” she asks, sounding heartbroken.
She has no idea how bad I want her. “Yes. I will and so much more, but until we get everything sorted out, I need you to be a good girl and get some rest.” I kiss her temple and then untangle myself from her and the bed. “Rest,” I say again and then step out of the room before I can’t force myself to leave.