Page 100 of Reckless Knight (Knight's Ridge Empire 7)

Toby: I’ll pick you up at seven.

Toby: Jodie?

Toby: Have you changed your mind already?

Toby: Demon…

Again, it’s as if he’s standing right behind me as I read that final one. The hairs on the back of my neck lift and the need I’ve been trying to ignore since Bri told me the truth the other day surges forward.

I don’t know who the hell I’m trying to kid trying to convince myself that I don’t want him now I know the truth.

Part of his appeal that first night was his bad boy, give no shits attitude.

All the truth has really done is confirm that that was entirely true.

But it’s not just that. He’s potentially dangerous, and I dare any women to say their knickers don’t get a little damp at the thought of being worshipped by a man who knows exactly how to protect them and kill, if necessary.

I shake my head, aware that I’m totally romanticising all of this, but at the same time, I’m unable to stop.

I’ve had images of Toby in the middle of some fight last week, throwing punches and totally owning the situation as he laid into his opponent with brutal force.

A laugh falls from my lips.

I’m so fucking screwed up, it’s unreal.

Here I am, wanting to hate him, but equally, I want to jump his bones just at the thought of him.

Jodie: I’ll be ready…

Toby: Where did you go?

Jodie: Tube. What should I be wearing tonight?

Toby: As little as possible and no underwear *winky emoji*

Jodie: You’re such a guy.

Toby: I’m glad you noticed, Demon. Was it about the time I thrust balls deep inside you?

“Hey, Jojo,” Mum calls as I push through the front door, my cheeks burning. I’ve sent a few dirty messages over the years, but almost all of them have been a joke. I’ve never had one hit me quite like that.

Unable to leave it there, I start tapping out a reply.

Jodie: Might have been about the time I *tongue emoji* your *aubergine emoji*

“Oh my God,” I breathe, knowing that I really shouldn’t have done that. So much for playing it cool or even trying to forget him.

“Jojo?” Mum calls again.

“Hey, Mum. I’ll be right there,” I shout, shrugging out of my coat and dragging my boots off my feet.

My phone buzzes once more.

Toby: And now I’m hard. Is it seven yet?

A laugh falls from my lips.

Jodie: Sadly not. I’m sure you can wait a while longer, bad boy.