“And if I don’t?”
“Then it looks like I’m here another night,” he said, picking up his phone. “I’ll go ahead and call Collin to bring me some clothes since you’re adverse to me running around your house naked. Just think…you willnae have to use your nightlights, and you’ll save a bundle on your electric bill.”
“You’re serious?”
He walked around to her chair and cupped her shoulders, leaning down to whisper in her ear. “As serious as Quinn is crazy. You tell me what I want to know, or you marry me. Those are the only two ways you’re getting rid of me. So, which is it going to be?”
She remained silent. Neither one of her answers would get her out of being bent over his knee.
“You lay a hand on me, and I’ll cut off your family jewels.”
He kissed her neck. “I look forward to you handling my jewels.”
Chapter Five
Becca paced her living room.The light shining in from the sun had her squinting. No way was she agreeing to either option. He’d stay. She knew he would. Even now, he was settled into the recliner with his hands propped behind his head, comfortable in the silence as he watched her stew. He could stay all he wanted. Just because he was staying didn’t mean she had to. Becca grabbed her purse from her room and slid it up her shoulder.
“Stay as long as you like.” She grinned and headed for the door. Ian didn’t make a move to get up. He just smiled as though he knew a secret she’d yet to figure out.
Becca opened her door, and all the bravado drained like sludge down a sink. Her driveway was empty, other than Ian’s SUV. “Where’s my car?”
“At the reception hall where you left it,” he answered, coming to stand behind her. He had his arms planted on the doorframe behind her. “Wherever you need to go, I’ll drive.”
Anger stirred in her belly as she rubbed the ache from the stress in her shoulders. She had things to do. Things that didn’t include Ian watching over her shoulder. Damn it. Damn him. “I need my car.”
“Afraid that one’s going to cost you, lass. The truth or the ring, which is it going to be?”
“You can’t blackmail me. I don’t have to agree to either of your stupid demands. I can walk or call a cab or, hell, I can even call someone to pick me up.” Not that she’d actually call Danny. The less this Highlander knew about her issues, the better. The last thing she needed was for him to run off at the mouth and tell her sisters. They’d never agree to her chasing after a killer to put a stop to her nightmares. It didn’t matter that she was now old enough and could protect herself. She’d always be the baby in the family to them.
Ian rubbed his strong palms over her tense shoulders and lightly squeezed. “I’ll compromise.”
As if she’d ever believe him. She slowly turned. “What part of…I don’t have to choose do you not understand? Is it the language barrier? Do I need to call Collin to get him to translate?”
His lips twisted into a sexy, arrogant smile. It seemed the more she tried to piss him off, the deeper the fire licked in his eyes. The damn Highlander was getting turned on with their verbal sparring.
“I’ll take a kiss, and I’ll take you to your car, but I’ll be staying the night again until you agree to one of your other options.”
A kiss she could do. A kiss between them would be meaningless. It wasn’t like she hadn’t thought of kissing him before. She wasn’t opposed to his five o’clock shadow scratching her face. A smile split her lips. “I’m never agreeing to your options, but one kiss and you’ll take me to my car?”
“A Highlander kiss.”
She moved back into the house and shut the door. “Highlanders kiss different? What do you do? Lick each other’s face like a puppy?”
“Not quite.” He wiggled his brows. “Is it a deal then, lass?”
“Sure,” she said and tossed her purse onto the hall table. She licked her lips and wiggled her brows, holding her hands out to the side in a come-get-you-some kind of way. “Give it your best shot.”
He took her hand and eased her back against the wall, lifting her arms above her head. He hovered with his lips a breath away from her skin, making her heart skip a beat. His plan was becoming clearer. He was going to torture her in anticipation.
“Highlanders are known for being rough, but I’ll be gentle with you.”
Her breath hitched, and her breasts felt full as he clasped both of her hands in one grip and trailed his finger down her arm, over her cheek, and to her neck. “The first kiss between a man and his intended should be something you’ll always remember.”
“I’m not marrying you,” she reminded him with clear determination.
He slid his large thigh between her legs and rubbed it against her damp panties. “You’re wanton. I can see it in your eyes.”
“You need glasses.” Her words came on a breath, betraying her body.
