She drew in air. “Is this when we discuss my telling your team about your murder board?”
He crossed his arms, and those impressive muscles flexed. “Well, now. I was pissed about that, but turns out that was nowhere near as irritating as you leaving Roscoe at the office and putting yourself in danger.”
She was a fair person, so she gave him the truth. “I’m not sorry I told the team, because I want to protect you, too. As for Roscoe, he was fine and I was fine with Mal next door, so maybe you should just relax.”
“Relax?”
The way he said it sent shivers down her body. She tried to say something, anything, to lessen her challenge, but words died in her throat.
He watched her, his expression knowing. “Are you about done being a brat?”
It was only a semi-fair question. “If I’m not?”
He straightened. “You’re not gonna like the answer to that question.”
Her chin lifted. “Are you done being bossy?”
“You’re also not gonna like the answer to that question.”
She cleared her throat. “I don’t want to fight with you.”
“Are you in or out with this relationship?” His deep tone wound through the silent night.
She blinked, caution pouring through her. What a surprising question at the moment. “I’m in.”
“Then it’s my way, Dana. No compromise when it comes to safety so long as Rock is on the loose and gunning for us. Either you tell me you understand that, or I’ll make sure you understand that.”
Now her mouth gaped open. “Is that a threat?” Her temper stirred.
“It’s a fact. Tell me you get me.” He moved toward her then, sleek and sure, his grace obviously back in place.
“Oh, I get you, but I’m not saying I agree.” She lifted her chin, her body rioting at his nearness.
“You’ll let me handle danger from now on. I like your sleepwear.” He slid his thumbs beneath both straps and drew them down her arms.
“It’s called a baby doll,” she said, desire flashing hot and bright inside her. Fast.
“It’s pretty.” He yanked the soft material down to her waist, his former gentleness gone. “But not as pretty as you.”
Her nipples hardened beneath his gaze, her breasts feeling heavy. Needy. “I’m mad at you.”
“You’re not mad. You’re scared.” He flattened his hands over her shoulders and caressed down both arms and back up, twisting his fingers and brushing her nipples.
A jolt shot through her, and her legs wobbled. “You’reinsightfulnow?”
“I’ve always been insightful. Now I’m choosing to share my observations with you.” He lifted her, tossing her easily back onto the bed.
She fell back on her elbows, her breasts bare, her tiny yellow panties hardly covering her. “You probably think this authoritarian thing you have going on is sexy.”
He ripped his shirt over his head. “Never gave it a thought.”
Her mouth watered. All right. Now that was sexy. Hard, smooth, sleek lines—the scarred body of a warrior sporting fresh bruises.
His gaze devoured her, giving her a sense of feminine power. “You’re getting all of me, Dana.”
“It’s about time,” she said, meaning it.
* * *
