“Okay.” Even though it’s weird having a bodyguard around with us.
“Sometimes my voice comes out harder than I intend it to, but if I upset you, I need for you to communicate that with me. Honesty is important to me.”
“It’s important to me too.” I could never communicate how I felt because I didn’t want to make the situation any worse than what it was with Beau. “It wasn’t just your tone.” My hands fidget in front of me. “If it sounds like you’re giving me a command, I struggle with it. I know you’re not Beau and that you have my safety at the forefront of your mind, but it’s hard to rewire years of feelings, so bear with me.”
He kisses the top of my head again. “I should have known. I’ll do better.” He steps away and walks over to the clothesline.
I shake my head, feeling confused about “I’ll do better.” I don’t know if he will understand how much relief that gives me. I watch on, grateful that I’ve found him. Reaper is the man all women want. Good-looking, loyal, supportive, and kind. He looks like a savage beast of a man but treats a woman like a queen and with the utmost respect. I never thought men like him existed, and it blows my mind that he’s interested in me.
He takes his shirt off the line, then he turns to face me, and when his eyes pierce mine, a slow grin appears. My stomach is in knots as he prowls toward me with a shirt in hand. My breathing quickens when he reaches me, and I can’t take my eyes off his lips. I stand on my toes and wrap my arms around his neck as he bends down, pressing his lips to mine. They are soft but firm, and I close my eyes and let myself enjoy him.
Reaper’s arms are around my waist, pulling me tighter against his hard body. Parting my lips, I deepen the kiss, tilting my head to give him better access. His silky tongue dances with mine. I moan as heat spreads through my body, but he slows the kiss, then smiles against my lips.
I pull back, my breath ragged, but I can’t resist the urge to press one last kiss on his lips before I bring my heels to the ground and reluctantly drop my arms from his neck. “Have a safe ride.” I smile as my head spins.
His chest buzzes with laughter. “I could get used to that.” His smile falls, and he looks at Conan, who’s running away. “Conan!”
I peer down to see another wet patch on Reaper’s leg.
There’s deep laughter, and I peer over to see Viper with his head back in hysterics. “Hey, Pres, no disrespect, but I think Conan’s trying to mark his territory.”
Reaper’s eyes narrow to slits. “And what’s that meant to mean?”
Viper lights up, clearly enjoying this. “You’re his bitch!”
I burst out laughing, while Viper dashes back inside.
Reaper chuckles lightly, but I hear “fucking prick” under his breath.
“Tsk-tsk. You need to get your men under control,” I taunt.
“That’s an impossible task. I’ll put the money we owe you in your room. Did you want me to put it anywhere in particular?”
“At the front of my bag will be fine.”
“I’ll do that now.” He cuts Conan with a glare and says, “And go change my jeans.” He peers back. “I’ll see you later, beautiful.”
Licking my lips, I check him out as he saunters away, thinking all I want is to have his lips on mine again.
After I fill up Conan’s water, I go inside and see Elena at the fridge, pulling out a bottle of water.
She closes the fridge door, and when she sees me, she asks, “Did Conan pee on Reaper’s jeans again?”
I giggle and nod twice. “I shouldn’t laugh, but I can’t help it.”
“That’s so funny. I wonder why he does it, and only to Reaper.”
“I have an idea.”
Her eyes widen. “Tell me!”
“I have a feeling Conan’s showing his unhappiness with Reaper and I getting close.”
“If that’s the case, the men are going tolovetormenting Reaper. Conan’s food motivated, so maybe Reaper can buy him a steak to win him over.”
“That’s not a bad idea! It might work. On that, can we go to the store today? Reaper paid me, so I wouldn’t mind getting some clothes, but after that, I’m hoping to save more money.”
Her smile fades. “You’re saving up to leave already?” She peers down, rubbing her arm. “I was enjoying having you around.”
