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I pick up my phone, putting it back on my hip. I toss the binoculars into the duffel bag on the bed and pack up the rest of my gear. I leave the key card to the room on the desk and head outside. I throw everything into my jeep before I double check my vest and my side arm then walk across the street straight to the room the piece of shit is staying in and kick in the door.
It’s another hour of processing and collecting my payout before I make the drive to Moonglow. I’ve already decided I’m handcuffing her ass to the bed. I’m half tempted to take her over my knee the second I walk in the store.
The bell above the door jingles violently when I shoulder my way inside, dusty from the road. She’s behind the counterwearing pajamas and looking miserable. I cross the room in four strides, crowding into her space.
“You.” I tap her nose. “Are on thin fuckin’ ice, Wildflower.”
Before she can retort, I drag her off the stool by her waist and throw her over my shoulder like a sack of flour. Ignoring any and all flailing and protests, I head right for the stairs to her loft.
“And since we both know I don’t scare you.” My palm lands on her ass with a sharp smack that echoes through the building. “Guess we’re doin’ this the fun way.”
Her hands go to my lower back to brace herself. “Griffin, put me down!” She shouts, getting surprised stares from her customers.
My arm tightens across the back of her thighs to keep her from sliding off as she squirms. I fight the mix of irritation and arousal that always seems to ignite when I’m around her.
“Not a chance,” I grit out, kicking her door open before slamming it shut behind me. “I told you to stay your stubborn ass in bed.”
“Periods don’t equal bedrest, you neanderthal!” She glares up at me after I set her down, poking me in the chest. Hard.
I catch her wrist before she can poke me again, my grip is firm but not bruising. I step to her until her back thumps against the door. “No,” I growl. “But my girl bein’ hurt equals me losin’ my mind if I’m not there to fix it.”
My free hand brushes a strand of hair from her face, lingering at her jaw as my thumb traces the curve of her cheekbone, tender with her despite the fire burning in my chest. “So yeah, I manhandled you. And yeah, I’ll do it again if it means keepin’ you safe and warm whenyouwon’t.” A smirk tugs at the corner of my mouth. “Now are we done fightin’? Or do I gotta remind you who wins these little battles?”
“You overreacting, overbearing, overprotective behemoth! Maybe you should kiss my ass because I’m not going to stopworking and earning a living every time you decide I’m too weak to handle sitting on a fucking stool!” She stares me down defiantly and I’ll be damned if that fire in her eyes doesn’t have me half hard already.
I slide a hand around her throat, pushing her until her back thuds against the door. I tilt her head so she’s looking up at me. “Weak?” I laugh. “Seriph, I know exactly how strong you are. Which is why it pisses me off when you act like takin’ care of yourself is a goddamn defeat.” I lean in my teeth dragging across that spot beneath her ear that always makes her shiver before murmuring, “And yeah, I’ll kiss every inch of that stubborn ass if it means keepin’ you from runnin’ yourself into the ground.” I nip her bottom lip before pulling away to meet her glare with one of my own. “So what’s it gonna be? You wanna fight me some more? Or do you wanna admit you need a break?”
Instead of melting like she normally does, she puts both hands flat on my chest and pushes. “Not this time! You don’t get to turn all sexy and sweet to get me to agree with you. I have to earn money if I want to keep my store. I can’t afford to take it easy. And I won’t lose Moonglow just because you want me to go lay down. I already closed for two weeks, I’m not closing again!”
I barely budge when she shoves against me a second time. I rock back on my heels and smirk before crowding right back into her space. But this time my fingers dig into her throat enough to make sure she feels the weight of what I’m saying. “You think I don’t know that? You think I’d let one bill go unpaid if it meant you couldn’t keep your store? Your fuckin’ home?”
I pause a moment knowing what I’m about to say next is going to piss her off more. My jaw working before I mutter, “I already paid next month’s mortgage.”
There’s a stunned moment of silence and her mouth drops open. She sucks in air to start yelling at me.
“And before you start yellin’, no it isn’t charity. You pay me back when things settle down. But right now? Your body needs rest more than this shop needs open doors.”
“I already owe you fifteen thousand. At this rate I’ll never be able to pay you back. Are you trying to fucking own me?” Her nostrils flare and her eyes narrow. Her hands wrap around my wrist that’s on her throat, settling there but not pulling.
“I don’t want your damn money, Seriph,” I grumble, desperate for her to hear me. “I want you healthy. I want you safe. I want you to stop treatin’ yourself like some goddamn afterthought!” My thumb traces the frantic pulse in her throat. “You think this is about ownin’ you? I already told you, you own me. Every scarred up piece. So let me do this once. One time. Let someone take care of you for a change.”
She deflates, melting into the door. But not all the way. “Why do I feel like if I give in,one time, it won’t only be just once?”
I lean in my breath trailing over her ear. “Because it won’t be.” I nip at her earlobe playfully before pulling back to meet her gaze again. “I told you before, Wildflower, you’re stuck with me. And that means I get to fuss over you when I say you need it. But I’ll make a deal with you.” My hand slides from her throat to cradle the back of her head instead. “You let me take care of things today... and tomorrow? You can boss me around all damn day if it makes you feel better.” I pause. “Within reason.”
She finally gives in. Her eyes drift down to the floor. “I need to go close down the store,” she says quietly.
I kiss the top of her head. “Thank you.” I let go and step back so she can open the door. “Now go, I’ll wait right here.”
By the time she gets back, I have her favorite blanket spread out over the couch along with a stash of snacks and a cup of ginger turmeric tea. Pillows are stacked in a pile near the armrest like a cozy burrow. I’m standing near the couch withmy arms crossed, so I can take in her reaction when she comes through the door.
I clear my throat and nod at the couch. “Heatin’ pad’s under the blanket. Tea’s got honey and lemon ‘cause I know how you like to have both. And if Jax asks, I did not do any of this.” I step closer to her. “Now get your ass horizontal before I put you there myself.”
“This is...” She walks slowly over to the couch. “Griffin, this is amazing. Unnecessary, but very sweet. Thank you.” She kisses me softly, on tiptoe.
My breath hitches when her lips meet mine. My hands hover near her waist, debating on whether to pull her in or let her have her space. After a second, I give in, one palm settling against the small of her back while the other comes up to cup the side of her neck. I pull her back to me when she starts to turn away and deepen the kiss.
