Page 61 of Ghost

His face no longer held menace when he looked at her—hadn’t since he pulled her from the river.But it still carried a formidable scowl that she couldn’t picture him without if she tried.

His lips quirked, and his gaze traveled down her legs.“How about you stay like that until we leave tomorrow?”

She chortled.“With my pants around my ankles?That’s attractive.”

He reached between her legs.Fresh thrill raced through her before she recognized the warm dampness of a cloth.

The blush already warming her cheeks turned prickly.“Thank you.”She moved to take the cloth from him, but he held fast.

“I’ve got it.”After gently swiping a few times, he knelt to pull up her underwear and leggings.

There was a strange fluttering behind her ribs.“You don’t have to do that.”

He didn’t stand.His palms rested on the backs of her thighs.“No one’s taken care of you Mila.”He stood then and brought his bent index finger beneath her chin.“Not once in the last twenty years.”

Her stomach twisted.She forced a lightness she didn’t feel.“I take care of myself just fine.Besides, I’m not a kid anymore.”

Ghost’s expression softened.“Doesn’t mean someone shouldn’t take care of you now.”

His words circled her heart, nearly making a crash landing.One she couldn’t afford.It was possible he felt some kind of responsibility for her welfare given that he’d brought her here and triggered her to rethink her life path.Maybe, just maybe, he’d miss her.But that didn’t mean he needed to watch over her.

She placed her hand on his chest.“You don’t have to worry about me.Did you already forget the kick to your face?”She feigned innocence.

Ghost’s mouth broke into a wide, toothy grin.“That was good, but your ground fighting could use a little work.”

She propped a hand on her hip.“Oh yeah?”

“Mm-hmm.Actually,” he said, turning to grab a glass from the cabinet.He filled it with water.“I just came in to hydrate before you distracted me.”

She scoffed.“I did not.”

“Yeah, you did.Those pants and that ass are a constant distraction.”

Heat scalded her belly.

“Why don’t you come train with me?We’ve got some time to kill and I’ve got an extra set of gloves.”The amusement in his eyes and the boyish grin on his lips made it an offer she couldn’t refuse.

“You’re on.”

CHAPTER 17

Wham!

Ghost tried to dodge Mila’s foot, but it struck him in the shoulder.Christ, she could kick better than any boxer he’d seen.

She’d changed into the black sports bra and shorts she’d worn the night she tried to kill him.The outfit showed off every curve of her sculpted body, making him want her all over again.Sweat glistened on her skin, and strands of hair escaped from her ponytail.

She threw a jab and he caught her fist.Laughing, he spun her around so her back hit his chest.“You’re getting tired.”

She slammed her foot down on his and swung her elbow into his ribs.He barked out a cough of regret as she pivoted from his hold.She planted her feet in front of him, her fists raised to her face.“Not even close.”

He panted and rubbed his side.“You’re gonna pay for that.When I catch you, those shorts are coming off.”He lunged for her and she squeaked, leaping out of his reach.

He snickered as he chased her around the room.One minute she was a sassy badass, the next she gave him a thrilling pursuit.

“Ghost, if you touch these shorts, you’re going to be wearing them when I’m done with you!”She ducked under his squat rack.

Not the best move.Now he had her backed against the windows.