Total pages in book: 33
Estimated words: 30316 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 152(@200wpm)___ 121(@250wpm)___ 101(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 30316 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 152(@200wpm)___ 121(@250wpm)___ 101(@300wpm)
“Please give me a chance to explain?” I asked gently as I held out my hand to help her into the car. Her eyes softened the tiniest bit, and she let me assist her. When we were both seated, she was to the right of me, so I took her left hand and gently drew my fingers over the skin, stopping to play with her wedding ring, then lifting it to my lips to kiss it. Peeking up through my lashes, I saw what I’d been hoping for.
The ice was slowly melting, if only by centimeters.
Keaton cleared her throat and shook her head as though she was emptying it of unwelcome thoughts. I hoped they involved my mouth and her naked body. Those images were certainly filling my own head, and I was determined to take care of the misunderstanding as quickly as possible so we could get to the makeup sex.
“So talk,” she demanded, trying to sound authoritative but only managing light irritation, especially since I’d flipped her hand over and flicked my tongue over her pulse.
I sighed. “Your father did hire my company to protect you.”
Keaton tried to pull her hand away at my statement, but I wouldn’t let go. She scowled at me, but I just smiled and went on.
“When I found out you’d signed up for Luxe Connections, it seemed like the perfect answer. I could keep you close without arousing suspicion and end things when the campaign was over without you ever knowing about your shadow detail.”
Her coffee-colored eyes shimmered with tears, and when one escaped, I used my thumb to wipe it away.
“Hear me out before you get upset, beautiful,” I requested somberly. She took a deep breath and lifted her hand in a gesture for me to go on. “Then, on our wedding day, I opened that car door and was nearly knocked on my ass by the beauty who emerged. My attraction to you was fierce and instantaneous.” I scrubbed my free hand over my face and groaned, though my lips tipped up into a devilish grin. “I wanted to throw you over my shoulder and find the nearest private place to have my wicked way with you.”
She snorted, her lips tipping up and making my smile widen.
“It wasn’t just how fucking beautiful you were, though. I could see the beauty inside you, and damn, your rambling was cute as fuck. Something inside me clicked into place, something I hadn’t realized was broken. And I knew, right then, I was never letting you go. You were meant to be mine—you owned me.”
Keaton sighed. “You’ve given me the freedom to be myself that I never had with my dad. And even though you are overly possessive a lot, which I probably shouldn’t admit is sexy as hell, I still feel uninhibited.” Shaking her head, she placed her hand on my arm as she frowned at me. “You also promised me that you would always be honest with me.”
I cupped her face in my hands and stared into her gorgeous, dark eyes. “You’re right. I shouldn’t have kept anything from you. I’m sorry.”
I ran the pad of one digit down her cheek before leaning in and rubbing my nose across hers. “You are the only woman who has ever made me want a future that included love and a family, beautiful. I want it all. But only with you.” My smile melted away, and I turned very serious, staring deep into her eyes. “Be as mad as you want, Keaton. I’ll happily take any punishment you give me.” I narrowed my eyes in warning. “Except leaving me. I can’t live without you. So, you’re going to have to get over it eventually, because I love you and I’m fucking keeping you.”
Keaton’s lips tipped up at one corner, and she sniffed, blinking rapidly, obviously trying not to cry.
“I love you, too,” she mumbled. “So, don’t be a freaking asshat anymore and keep your promise to be honest with me. Got it?”
“Got it. I’ll never lie to you,” I said sincerely. “As for being an asshat”—I winced—“I think we both know it’s inevitable that I will fuck up in the future.” Keaton giggled and raised an eyebrow as though to say, “You think?” I shrugged and chuckled. “Let’s make a deal to always talk things out and make up naked.”
Keaton nodded with faux seriousness. “I’m agreeable to this plan, Mr. Hansen. Orgasms are an acceptable payment for your yuck-ups.”
I laughed and wrapped her up in a strong embrace, just holding her.
After a while, Keaton moved over me so she was straddling my legs, and I palmed her sexy ass. The position alone had my cock rising to attention, but when she lowered herself fully onto my lap, it fucking turned to granite.
Bending my head, I kissed all around her face before nibbling at her lips. Then my tongue swept inside and swirled around hers. My skin began to sizzle with heat, need building up inside me. Ripping my mouth away, I closed my eyes and touched my forehead to hers. A groan rolled up in my throat when she wiggled restlessly, and her hands, still locked around my neck, played with the ends of my hair.