Unexpected Hero (Skyline Trilogy Book 1)
Page 26
As Jenna poked through cabinets, looking for the elusive mugs, she wondered what kind of kitchen Josh had at his own house. Did he go for modest usefulness, like this outdated kitchen, or did he go for new, probably large, manly appliances? She imagined the last. She had the impression he had style. The Hummer was useful, so he said, but also big, luxurious, and of rock-star quality.
“Ah ha! Found you.” Jenna extracted a cup with a machinery logo and poured herself a cup. As she sauntered to the small, chipped kitchen table, Josh said, “Get some breakfast.”
She slowed her step and tilted her head just a little. The command in his tone was as unmistakable as it was unyielding.
Had he forgotten whom he was talking to?
A smile graced her lips. She set down her mug softly, meeting his hard gaze. The wildness within them crouched, ready to surge forward and pounce.
Tingles spread across her body.
She straightened up and decided she’d play his game. For now. “Sure.”
The plate was already out for her, so she scooped the amount of eggs and bacon she’d normally eat. As she sat down, she noticed his lips thin. He wanted her to take more.
Slowly lifting her knife and fork, she gave him time to give another command. Unfortunately, he didn’t. Damn.
“Sleep okay?” Josh growled.
So that was what was bothering him. He had given himself last night, after she’d silently begged, but hadn’t wanted to. Well, fine—she hadn’t wanted to plead like a desperate girl. They were even as far as that went, and now he could put on his big-boy pants and deal with it.
She increased the liveliness of her tone. “Yes. Thank you. You?”
She was met with a punch of silence.
The memory of his strong arms wrapping around her invaded her thoughts. He’d trailed soft kisses up her neck as dawn’s light filtered in through the window. With his lips right next to her ear, he’d said, “Sleep, love. I’ve got you. You’re safe.”
She dropped her shaking hands to the table quickly. He didn’t need to see his lingering effect. It would only tip the scales of power in his direction.
Summoning her resolve, she decided to clear the air. They needed to be on the same page. “Look, Josh.” She met his molten eyes. He wasn’t going to take this well. “I really appreciate last night. Very much. I am thankful for your—for that.” Why was this so awkward?
She cleared her throat, sore from all the crying last night. “At the end of the week, though, I’ll be going back to my life and you’ll be going back to yours. We are from two different worlds, you know? It’s probably best if we just keep it physical. In future.”
His eyes sparked fire and a muscle in his jaw bulged. He was probably thinking of the few dozen locations that could quietly house an unmarked grave.
He nodded. “Predictable. You also make me repeat myself too often. I am no toy. If that is your game, I’d prefer you leave me out of it.”
She wasn’t the only one who was predictable. How very irritating.
“There are a few things we need to be clear about this week.” Josh’s stare blasted into her. His crazy lurked right near the surface, raw and wild. “My job is to keep you alive, safe, and in one piece. You are going to give me your cooperation to help me do that. This is not up for debate. Clear?”
Or what? Even though she knew that question was in her eyes, she kept it from tumbling out of her mouth. His burning glare was begging her to ask, which meant she wouldn’t like the answer.
After the pregnant pause, he continued, “If something happens, whatever it is, I will give you orders, and you will follow them. No exceptions. You will eat three square meals a day. No starving yourself. I need you healthy. You will take care of your feet, and of yourself. You will not engage in any sexual acts in my presence. You will keep clothed at all times. You will do your own dishes and help me with food preparation. You will clean up after yourself. You will not go outdoors without my supervision. You will steer clear of windows and think of your own safety over mine. If you have a problem with any of that, tough. Now, eat your breakfast and meet me in the living room when you’re done.”
Oh, you’re running the show, are you? This time she couldn’t help herself. “Or what?”
She didn’t think it was possible, but his eyes became harder. Her limbs started to tingle—flight reflex. If a magic flee button existed, he was pushing it now.
“Or you won’t like the punishment you receive,” he said in a gruff, violence-ridden tone.
A nervous guffaw almost broke free. Her legs were shaking now, to accent her hands. “The punishment I receive? I’m not a child.”
“Then I suggest you stop acting like one. Living room, thirty minutes.” Josh left the room in powerful strides.
Well, she’d walked into that one. She took a moment to breathe to let her body relax.
She wondered what punishments he had in mind. Spanking might be fun…
Also by Willow Summers
Skyline Series
Unexpected Hero
Unexpected Danger
Unexpected Guardian
Please Series
USA Today Bestselling Series
Yes, Please
Now, Please
More, Please
Forever, Please
Montana Wilds
Surviving Love
Conquering Love
Jessica Brodie Diaries
Back in the Saddle, Book 1
Hanging On, Book 2
A Wild Ride, Book 3
Growing Pains
Lost and Found, Book 1
Overcoming Fear, Book 2
Butterflies in Honey, Book 3
Love and Chaos
Check them out at WillowSummers.com.
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About the Author
Willow Summers is a USA Today Bestselling author of romantic comedy, contemporary, erotic and suspense romance. When she’s not writing, be wary, because she will probably try to pull you into some shenanigans, usually involving wine and heavy doses of chocolate. She lives just south of wine country with her husband, two children, and out of work treadmill.
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