And Jillian had asked to try this, even though she was new to the scene and had just met him. But as much as it called to him, as much as it felt right, he needed to protect her before she got in over her head. Maybe they could try this later, after they had gotten to know each other better.
He sighed. “You’re asking for a special kind of relationship that I don’t think either of us is ready for. Not yet.”
“Fine.” Her eyes narrowed. “I’ll take care of my own needs, thank you. I’ll go find Master Bram.” She looked at him petulantly.
He growled and grabbed her shoulders roughly. “If you go to Master Bram, so help me I’ll?—”
“You’ll what?” She shook herself from his grasp and gave him a piercing look. “Spank me?” She rolled her eyes and huffed and started toward the door.
“Jillian. I don’t want to blur the lines and confuse you. Um, it’s bad for business.” He realized that had been the worst thing to say when she turned her cool gaze to his.
“I am sorry my presence is interfering with your business dealings. Good afternoon, Mr. Wolfe.” She walked stiffly out the door and closed it behind her.
Shit.
He paceda long trail in the outer hallway, barking out orders at harried maids, especially the one who kept falling asleep on the job. After thirty minutes of pacing and fuming, he still did not feel grounded. In fact, he yelled so much, he scared poor Pino, who left a trail of towels behind him as he scurried away.
“Okay, enough scaring the workers, Daddy-o.” Redd jumped onto his back and squeezed his neck playfully.
He carried her to the sitting room and tossed her onto a couch, growling as he leaned over her body. He yanked her arm up and dug his fingers into her armpit, tickling her mercilessly.
“Stop, Daddy!” Her shrieks and laughter echoed through the room.
“Let’s try your ribs, little girl.” He tickled her until she choked out happy screams for mercy. “Do you yield, little slayer?” he smirked evilly down at her cherub face. “We can try your tummy next.”
“No! Nooooo!” she giggled and batted his hands away. “I yield. I yield!”
He scooped her up into his arms and placed the disheveled “little” onto his lap and ran his rough, scratchy cheek against hers.
“Not the beard, Daddy. No,” she pouted and giggled at him.
They caught their breaths for a few moments and snuggled.
“Thanks. I needed that. Now, what were you saying, Redd?”
She pushed off his lap and gave him a firm look. “You’re getting that crazy look again. Like when you feel trapped and are about to go wolfy on everyone around you. You told me to call you on it.” She put her hands on her hips. “Some fresh air would do you some good. Why don’t you do your thing and go hunt for a while.”
He shook his head, “It’s snowing pretty hard out there. I probably won’t have any luck finding anything.”
“But the change of ‘atmosphere’,” she over pronounced the last word, “would do you some good. Maybe you’ll get lucky.” She shrugged.
“Okay, thanks for looking out for me.” He stood and tousled her hair.
“It’s not only you I’m looking after. You made Rory cry again.”
“Well, she should stop falling asleep on the job,” he muttered. “Okay, okay, I’m heading out. Keep an eye on the front desk, please.”
“Yes, Daddy.” She gave him a mischievous look. “And this time please dry off before you come near me. Wet dog smell is so nasty.” She squealed and jumped out of the way of his approaching swat.
“Women,” he mumbled and headed toward the back door. “A hunting we will go…” he sang under his breath and slipped outside into the frigid temperatures.
CHAPTER 9
CADE
Cade stood up and tried to turn around, but somehow one flipper got caught on the other, and he fell square on his ass.
Faye giggled.
