Page 34 of Bit's Bliss

“Sounds good,” I told him before the call ended. “So I guess you heard most of that,” I said to Eberly.

“I did, and while I’ve never heard of an Intent to Cure, if it will buy me fifteen days, that’s what matters.”

“I had no idea you and Zin were related.”

“To be honest, I know his dad better than I do him. He’s my godfather. Uncle Michael is also the trustee for the money my mother left me.”

I made a mental note to call my uncle, Tryst. He, Michael Oliver, and Malcolm Warwick were active members of Los Caballeros at the same time my dad was. It would be interesting to hear his take on Eberly’s father’s actions.

For now, though, my little dove needed my undivided attention. While I hadn’t set ground rules with her in the way I would’ve in another relationship like the one I intended she and I have, I needed to. I couldn’t punish her now when I hadn’t made my expectations—and the subsequent consequences—clear.

“Let’s go home. There are a few things I need to take care of.”

Her eyes darted between mine. “Home?”

“For the foreseeable future, until we can make sure your house and the grounds are more secure, that means the cottage. Are you good with that?”

I saw the glimmer of a smile, which she quickly masked. “That depends on what things you need to take care of.”

“I misspoke. Not a thing, little dove. You.”

“Then, yes, I’d like to go home.”

Once in my truck,I buckled Eberly in, then rested my right hand on her thigh. “I like you better in dresses.” I walked my fingers up closer to her core, then cupped her mound. “And no panties.”

“The weather’s kind of chilly for that.”

“Move your hair out of my way.” I leaned over and kissed the side of her neck. “What I have planned will keep you warm.”

Eberly shuddered.

“First, though, there’s the matter of you taking off on me and not stopping when I told you to.”

Her eyes opened wide. “But…”

“Say it.”

“I was angry.”

“Is that an excuse to treat me disrespectfully? Was I disrespectful to you?”

“No.”

“Would you agree there should be consequences for your behavior?”

“Um, I guess so.”

“How about this? If you do what I ask between here and the cottage, I’ll let the earlier behavior go.”

She studied me. “Okay.”

I putthe truck in gear, backed out of the bank’s parking lot, and got on the road. “Unfasten your jeans.”

“What did you say?”

“You heard me.”

Her hands shook as she released the button and lowered the zipper.