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“When we were in the clearing and I took off to look for the dogs—”

“You can stop right there, I already know.”

“You do?”

“Yep, but I still want to hear you say it.”

“Oh, Lord,” she muttered with a sigh.

“Go on, Karen.”

“I was pushing the envelope.”

“I think you mean you were testin’ me.”

“Sorry…”

“I think it’s time to head into my bedroom. Correction!Ourbedroom.”

CHAPTER THIRTY

A few minutes later, lying naked next to Cade in his bed, Karen moaned her pleasure as he roamed his lips over her neck and fondled her breasts. But she knew what was coming and guessed he was just building her anticipation.

“So, sassy girl, just how hard should I spank you?” he whispered, confirming her suspicions. She caught her breath, and a second later butterflies burst to life in her stomach.

“I, uh, I don’t know what to say,” she managed.

“The right answer is,as you see fit.”

“Ooh, Cade, as you see fit.”

“I already told you I’d heat up your ass. Is that why you ignored me when we were in that clearin’?” he pressed, raising his head and staring down at her. “Did you want to push me into doin’ it right there?”

“It—uh—sort of crossed my mind,” she breathed, hating that her face was flushing red.

“Damn, girl, you must think I was born yesterday.”

“No, no, I don’t, not at all, I swear. It just sort of happened. But you have no idea how much I wish it hadn’t. Finding Gino like I did…it was a hellish nightmare.”

“I know, darlin’,” he said, softening his voice. “There’s nothin’ I can do to change that moment, but I can sure take your mind off it and ease your guilty conscience. Get up on your hands and knees. I’ll be right back.”

As he slid from the bed and padded into his closetexcitement—tinged with a drop of fear—rippled through her body.

“Lock your fingers together,” he ordered, snapping her from her thoughts.

Jerking her head around she saw he was holding a narrow strip of sheepskin.

“When I tell you to do something I expect you to do it immediately, not five minutes later.”

“Sorry,” she said hastily.

Sliding the sheepskin around her wrists, he tied it off in a knot, then slid his fingers into her hair, gripped it tightly, tugged back her head and pressed his lips against hers. The kiss began languidly, but quickly turned fervent and seemed never-ending, fueling the passion already pulsing through her body. When he finally pulled back she was breathless and ached to be back in his arms.

“Now, young lady, what do you have to say for yourself?”

“I’m sorry, I should have listened to you. I was a brat.”

“And what happens to brats who don’t listen?”