Page 52 of Bossy Romance

I massage my forehead. “Steve, I appreciate that you have your loyalties, but I’m not in the mood to deal with Adam today. Can you please turn the car around and take me home?”

Steve looks conflicted. “Mr. Harrison said you might protest. I’m supposed to tell you to call him and let him explain.”

I’m not calling Adam.

“It’s fine, Steve.” I flounce back. I’ll just wait until Steve fulfills his duty and takes me to Adam’s. Then I’m going to call a cab and go home.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a chance to follow through with my plan.

Adam is standing on the driveway when Steve slows the car. He opens my door and motions for me to get out.

My eyes narrow on him. I remain in the car.

“Come out, Nova.”

“Steve is going to take me home.”

“Why are you so stubborn?” he mumbles.

“Me? Stubborn.” I glare at him. “You’re the one who—ah!” I let loose a frightened shriek when Adam dives into the backseat, slides his hand under my knee, presses the other to my back and scoops me out of the car like I’m a fish caught in his net.

I let out another yelp when he gives me a little toss to readjust me in his arms.

Moonlight spills over his strong face, raking silver fingers through his hair. His warm, expresso eyes are set with a defiant glint.

“Adam, what are you doing?” I hiss.

“See you tomorrow, Steve.” Adam uses his leg to kick the door closed and carries me to the porch.

His house is casting a warm, golden glow on the front lawn. The screen door is open and Adam doesn’t slow down when he swings me over the threshold.

I cling tightly to his neck in case I fall, but he has a good grip on me.

“Do you know what time it is, Nova?” Adam asks, his tone frustrated.

“I’m sure you have a watch.”

His hands tighten on me and I feel his chest rumble with a reluctant chuckle. “You’re still mad.”

“I’m not mad.”

He gives me a slightly crooked,yeah rightsmile and an invisible fist closes around my throat, tightening until I can’t breathe.

“Why did you ask Steve to kidnap me? And where’s Rowan?”

“Rowan is asleep. I think I get dad points for putting him to bed on time.”

“D-dad points?”

“And about why I kidnapped you…” Adam sets me down in the sofa and drags a box that was beside the chair. He lifts the lid and, inside, is a beautiful pair of soft slippers.

My jaw drops. “Adam.”

“I was out of line today.” He reaches for my ankle.

I recoil, pulling my foot back.

He stubbornly goes for my heels and slips one off. His head is bowed and focused on the task, so all I can see is the top of his curly hair. “I shouldn’t have judged you or pretended to understand your family dynamics. Especially with the way I’ve been treating Rowan.” He glances up, an eyebrow hiked. “I know that was what you were going to tell me.”

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