He's right, dang it.
"Then you don't need to tie me up either," I point out.Maybe I don't need to tell him the truth right away.If he isn't going to tie me up, I can have a little bit of fun with him first.He did spend six weeks complaining about my books, after all.
"Oh, pretty baby," he says, wrapping one hand around my hip and tugging gently until I'm pressed up against him.His mouth lands against the side of my neck."If I tie you up, it won't be because Ineedto do it.It'll be because I want you spread out and at my mercy."
I make a sound I've never made before.One I didn't know I was even capable of making.It's want and need andOh god, please.His wicked voice, his filthy promise, the way his stubble scrapes the sensitive skin on my throat, the heat of his body against mine…everythingabout him overloads my system, sending it spiraling into an erotic frenzy.
I didn't even take Mina's crazy dare last night and I think I might win it anyway.
Cord scoops me up into his arms and carries me out of the bathroom.I cling to his broad shoulders, my head spinning.His seems to be working just fine.Naturally.Disappointment flows through me when we cut through the bedroom and head back downstairs.
"You'renottying me up in your basement."
"Pretty baby, I don't even have a fucking basement," he says with a chuckle, carrying me into the living room."I'm putting you on the couch so you can rest your ankle while I deal with that fucking bull."
"Oh," I breathe, relieved.And then worry sets in."Wait, what do you mean by deal with the bull?You aren't going to hurt him, are you?"
"He charged you, and you're worried about me hurting him?"
"He's a bull.He was just being a bull," I point out.
"He's a menace is what he is," Cord mutters.
"I was in his territory.It's not his fault."Tears fill my eyes at the thought of him putting the bull down because of me.It's a ridiculous reaction.This is a cattle farm.I'm sure they probably lose cattle every day.But Hamburger is different.Sure, he's the devil.But he feels a little bit like…well, like family.I've been reading about his antics every day for the last six weeks.
"Hey," Cord says, depositing me on the couch.He squats in front of me, frowning."Don't cry, princess.I'm not going to hurt the damn bull."
"Promise?"
"You're really crying over the bastard?"
"No," I say, wiping my eyes to hide the evidence."I don't cry, Cord Decker."I don't even know why I'm crying.This day has been one for the books.If I ever tell the girls this story, they're going to laugh themselves to death.I will never in the history of ever live it down.
"You're the cutest goddamn cattle thief I've ever met."I don't miss his soft expression.He thumbs my tears away, watching me intently.
"Cattle liberator," I sniff.
"I'm not going to kill him," Cord says, shaking his head."I'm going to reinforce the damn barn door so the bastard doesn't break out and get himself killed in the storm, that's all."
I believe him.It's hard not to when he's looking at me likethat.
"Hey, Cord?"
"Yeah?"
"Um, I'm glad you don't spend all your time in the basement playing video games and knitting socks for kittens," I whisper, and then hold my breath, waiting for his reaction.
A slow grin spreads across his face, his eyes lighting up."We're done pretending now, Cassia?"
"Maybe," I say."I'm still deciding."
He laughs quietly."Where's your phone?"
"In my coat."
"Prop your foot up and watch TV," he orders me, standing up."I'll go get your phone so you can let your friends and your brother know you're still alive.Guess I'll throw your shit in the washer while I'm at it."
"Thank you, bossy."
