Page 56 of Lock

“Leo . . .”

I shiver at the way she says my name.

“Shelby . . .” I start, my voice husky and deep, “The minute that you agreed to try this, you became mine. I take care of what’s mine.”

Her brow furrows.

I continue before she can argue. “If it makes you feel better, I would do the same for my girlfriend or wife, but instead of a wage, we’d call it an allowance. I take care of what’s mine. And make no mistake, the minute you agreed to this, you became mine.” Taking care of her is not something I’m willing to compromise on.

I let my tone and expression tell her just that.

“Thank you,” she relents reluctantly. “We’ll revise later,” she rushes, slipping the money into her back pocket without opening it. Probably best, no doubt my girl would argue about the two thousand tucked inside.

I grin at her hushed words. “We will not.” I shut her down.

Shelby’s eyes widen. Seems she hadn’t meant to argue out loud.

God, I love the way she challenges me.

“You never answered. What time are you coming home?”

My cock twitches.Home.That’s what Riley and I will be for her.

Shelby’s mouth twitches. “I’m staying here tonight, if that’s okay?”

I tamp down my frustration at her pulling away. She asked for approval, so that’s something.

“Why?” I ask softly.

Her cheeks flush.

Does she remember last night?No.If Shelby knew who I truly was, her reaction would be bigger. Worse.

If my girl needs time, then I’ll give it to her, for now.

“Okay.” I nod.

Reaching out, I capture her chin, holding her gaze.

“Go to bed early. No staying up late to second-guess what this is. And drink your juice before bed, all of it.”

A smile creeps onto her lips at my words. When she doesn’t respond, I raise a brow.

Shelby nods. My thumb moves from her chin to press the centre of her bottom lip, pulling it down.

My eyes are glued to her mouth as I release it. Her tongue sneaks out to wet her lip. The tip brushes my thumb, and my pants grow tight.

Fuck me.

“Yes, Sir,” she whispers.

“Good girl,” I praise.

It’s physically painful as I force myself to step away. I can’t wait to have her forever.

I’m running out of patience and self-control.

“I put some flat packs in your garage. Pack at least five boxes.” I keep my eyes on her as I retreat over the boundary lines.