“Not much,” I whispered, staring at our hands. His were so massive, they dwarfed mine enough that I knew with just a little pressure he could probably snap my fingers quite easily. It should have sent fear through my body, but instead it sent heat between my thighs.
What was wrong with me? Of course he was good looking, and his hands felt strong enough that I’d have enjoyed them in a completely different context. This feeling, though—after he’d handcuffed me to a bed against my will—was totally wrong.
He smoothed a thumb over a darkened spot, softly. “No fast movements. It’s definitely swollen after what you did to it.”
“Or whatyoudid to it since they were your cuffs.” I glanced over at them still hanging from the bed.
He appeared inquisitive as his gaze swept over me. “What is it you really want here? Would a ‘sorry’ curb your attitude?”
I snatched my hand away to cradle my wrist in my lap again. “This is hardly an attitude.”
“Really?” Did the corner of his mouth twitch as he asked that? “So you’re holding back the attitude?”
Narrowing my eyes, I tried to figure him out while he did the same with me. Did he also feel the electricity building as he continued that slow rub on my skin, or was he just one to subconsciously touch a woman? “Obviously, I’m holding back.” It was a lie. I wasn’t one to snap and stand up for myself … until provoked.
“I’m inclined to believe that even though my men said you were a darling to work with. A darling of the school, actually.”
“It’s just a punch line because of my last name. That’s all.”
“I don’t think so, darling Mia. I think you’ve been nice to all of them but me.”
“You want kindness after all this?” I shouldn’t have asked the question, but words seemed to tumble from my lips as he watched me, as he talked to me like he had every right to even though he was practically holding me hostage.
His lips thinned. “Let me clean up that cut as an apology.”
“I said I can do this myself. You don’t listen well, do you?”
“No need to when you’re in my house. While you’re here, I will make the demands.”
“I’m not here for you.” I shook my head at him. “I’m here for your daughter … and only until she feels more secure.”
“No.UntilI say so. Your safety is at risk also.”
His control grated on my every nerve. It took everything in me to be professional, but his efficient attitude felt dismissive. “I’m not concerned.”
“I am,” he threw back. His gaze flicked to me, sharp with irritation.
I looked toward the ceiling. “I should have never decided to accept this position.”
“Probably true.” He shrugged like it was the most obvious answer in the world. He pointed to my wrist. “This isn’t a difficult decision though. Just let me clean your wrist.”
I sighed and conceded by extending my arm for him to take into his hand as I murmured, “Honestly, the job wasn’t supposed to be difficult either.”
“It’s just June to September, Mia. The academy’s living quarters weren’t much different from here. You’ll even have access to most of Paradise Grove—to a whole town full of amenities for you to take advantage of.” He waved a hand behind him. From the high ceilings to the comfortable bed and overly sturdy headboard, I could tell the rest of the house would be extravagant.“We moved in here a couple years ago from down the block for more space. So you’ll have ample room here too.”
“Well, I have family and friends …” I felt my control of the situation slipping and his grip tightening on it instead. The rush of blood through my veins was thick and heavy, moving to my heart that beat so loudly, I wondered if he could hear it.
“I’m sure they expected you to be gone for the summer when you accepted this position, no?”
“Yes, the job with a simple application and extremely good benefits … which I’m going to continue to get as long as I’m here?” I asked him because that salary was going to tide me over from going back to the town I didn’t belong in anymore. I needed this position after what happened with Maisy’s dad, especially considering my sister said she’d heard about me attacking a parent from the grocery clerk in town. “Guess the Darlings aren’t so darling with that one” was supposedly the phrase she’d used.
Which was quite unfair. I’d been held back by the principal and hadn’t even scratched the smug look off the face of the father who was willing to put his daughter at risk just for a sport.
So, I stood by the fact that he deserved it, but I also knew I had to fight for this job because no public school was going to have me back … not after I told the principal I wouldn’t be apologizing.
“You think you should?” Mr. Knight raised an eyebrow as he brought a wrapper to his lips to tear with his perfect teeth before pulling the alcohol wipe from it.
I watched in fascination how he maneuvered the wrapper quickly to the first aid kit and then unfolded the wipe with one hand like he’d done this a million times.
