Page 39

“Hey,” I call out cheerfully, “good morning.”

Stepping down the stairs barefoot, I get to the final step, leave my hand on the banister, and take him in.

Mussed hair, his stubble filling out along his jawline. His eyes are a little puffy from sleep, but he’s stretching over the mattress in a way that makes my mouth water. His abs are on display, begging me to run my fingers over them.

I reach for my throat, remembering the way his hand squeezed me last night. I’ve read about it, of course. Romance novels often discusshand necklaces, but I’ve never felt comfortable enough to ask for it with people I’ve slept with. Hell, I didn’t even know I liked it until last night. Austin seemed to know what I needed. He’d been so tender despite being in control, and as soon as I gave him the green light, he’d squeezed the tiniest gasp out of me. What would it feel like to have him do that as he pulses inside me? Whispering filth into my ear as he toys with me.

“You feeling okay, Killer?”

I give myself a little shake. “Oh yeah, all good. Did you sleep okay?”

“Yep.” He frowns, and it seems like a stupid question now, given how uncomfortable he must be.

He’s looking at me like I’m missing something. Why am I down here again? Damn, I forgot to make breakfast first. As if my body needed to see him more than it needed food. I need to rein this in.

“Oh, I haven’t made breakfast yet. Sorry, I’m a little outof sorts today. Umm. Any requests?”

He grins. “How about the first breakfast you made me? The one with the spice in it. I can’t remember the name.”

“The turmeric?”

“Yes! That’s the one. That was the best thing I’ve had in years.”

I smile, and it occurs to me that I’m fully allowing him to get to me. I’m not even trying to stop him anymore.

“Sure, I’ll make it now.”

“Thank you.” His eyes remain fixed on mine as he rewards me with a genuine smile. My insides are gooey, and I have a sudden desperation to please him. This can't be good right? I need to regain some semblance of control.

???

“What are your plans for the day?” he asks, tapping his bare stomach in appreciation, and I grin again. His breakfast lasted all of two minutes once I handed it to him.

“I have a few fires to put out, nothing major. Just normal work stuff,” I say, popping the last crumb into my mouth.

“The same fire as the other day?”

Yes. The ones that are trying to ruin my life and my business.

“Umm, possibly.”

He nods.

“I’m sure you have a different way of dealing with things at work.” I laugh awkwardly.

His smile drops before his head shakes a little. Guilt drips into my stomach, but he quickly recovers as if remembering something.

“Nah, it’s all lawyers and admin for me nowadays.”

Lawyers and admin?

“Right...lawyers and admin,”I say, making air quotes with my fingers.

He sighs and shakes his head again. The mood is so different from last night. I thought coming down here this morning would feel the same: exciting, vulnerable, and like I was on the brink of something. But now I’m just confused.

“Wanna play a game?” he asks.

“Wow, that sounded just like the horror movie quote.”