She wasn’t so sure that calling herself gross was wrong, though.
So she got up and walked slowly over to him. She thought he almost looked relieved. Had he been worried that she wouldn’t come?
“You trust me.”
It was a statement, but she nodded anyway. “I do.” Had that been worrying him?
Maybe it had been. And perhaps that was her fault.
“I don’t find it easy to trust. My life hasn’t been filled with people who took care of me, or who fulfilled their promises. But the two of you . . . you’ve shown me what it’s like to be in a real relationship. I was always jealous of my sister having Zander. But not any more. Having the two of you on my side, it feels like I’ve won the lottery. I know I won’t ever be alone or let down again.”
North nodded but didn’t say anything. That was okay, she wasn’t expecting any big declaration. She just wanted him to know where she was at.
“Good. Come.” He held out his hand and she stepped closer, sliding her hand into his. That was a big deal for North. She’d noticed that he’d started to touch her more.
His hand was warm. As it should be. It was about five hundred degrees in here.
“Don’t you guys sweat?” she asked. “I really think we could turn the heat down.”
North, who was dressed in a short-sleeved shirt and pants and looked as crisp and cool as ever, shook his head. “No, you are still cold.”
“I’m really fine.” She glanced over at Jared. “I don’t need the heat up this high.”
Jared just raised an eyebrow. “I don’t believe that’s your decision. North and I agree the heat should be turned up to ensure you’re warm. And that’s what’s going to happen.”
“His Lordship has spoken,” she said sarcastically.
He gave a regal nod. “Indeed. I will also accept Sir, Master, or King.”
“Good Lord.”
“I’m glad you think I’m good. I’m really not.” He smirked at her. “Now, get yourself over North’s lap and stop procrastinating by arguing about something you’re never going to win.”
“Urgh. Has anyone ever told you how frustrating you are?” she asked Jared.
“No one would ever dare,” he replied smoothly.
“You’re frustrating.”
“She has got a point about the heat,” North said as he let her hand go and reached for her pajama pants, drawing them and her panties down.
“I do?” she asked. “I mean, yeah, I do.”
“If she doesn’t want the heat turned up, we can keep her warm in other ways,” North mused.
“Yes, like wearing socks and more layers,” she said.
Wow.
She hadn’t expected North to be the reasonable one.
“Actually, I was thinking of regular spankings. The heat from your bottom will keep your core warm.”
Her mouth dropped open. Was he . . . was he serious?
He stared up at her impassively.
Monkey butts.
