Page 3 of Forbidden Heat

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Comfort Food

Haley gasps.“You did not just say that.”

“I most certainly did.”

“This is insane!” Her cheeks are flushed, her eyes sparking with outrage. She’d probably like to punch me in the mouth right now.

I don’t think Haley Morgan has any idea how astonishingly lovely she is. No doubt she’s had ample male attention in her young life; but she shows no signs at all of being one of those women who’s learned to flirt with every breath, to see every man as a potential conquest.

Not that I’d mind if she were. It would make for an interesting game, one I’ve played before with women who thought they could bring me to heel. But Haley, it seems, prefers the direct approach to the slow seduction.

“You can’t just—” she breaks off.

“I can, and I will.”

She’s breathing hard, the swell of her chest drawing my attention, though I keep my eyes on her face. If she knew what kind of man I am, had come here for that, I’d already be giving her a taste of my discipline.

But Haley’s father certainly knows I’m no pushover; and of all the men in the world, Peter Morgan sent his daughter to me. So she’ll learn.

My house, my rules.

And with her spirit, it’s only a matter of time before she defies me.

“You can take me to the airport,” she says. “I’ll go back home, and I won’t be your problem anymore.”

“That would violate the first rule.”

She opens her mouth, then snaps it shut again. “I cannot believeyou.”

Her impudence is making my cock twitch. “Shall I give you a demonstration of how serious I am?”

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you.”

She has no idea how much.

There’s a tap at the door, and I rise from the bed to let Mrs. Jameson in. She’s carrying a breakfast tray of sandwiches, and in her usual inimitable fashion she’s gone over the top with them. I see BLTs, grilled cheese, turkey with avocado, and classic peanut butter and jelly, all thoughtfully cut into halves.

I didn’t give her the chance to ask Haley what she likes, so she’s brought a little of everything. There’s also a small bowl of cut fruit and a glass of milk. Given the chance, Mrs. J will no doubt spoil Haley rotten.

Which might not be a bad thing. The girl’s got me to contend with, after all.

Haley’s sitting up on the bed now. She stares at the tray as Mrs. J sets it down across her lap. I can almost hear her thinking, I can’t possibly eat all this.

“She’s just covering her bases,” I tell Haley. “And while we’re on the topic, this would be a good time to ask if you have any dietary restrictions. If you’re vegetarian, or vegan, or have any allergies.”

“No, I eat pretty much anything.” She smiles at my housekeeper. “Thank you, Mrs. Jameson.”

The cat jumps up on the bed. “Away with you, you scamp,” Mrs. J says. “You’ve been fed.”

“Oh, please, can he stay?” Haley says. “I promise I won’t share.” Her eyes cut my way for an instant and I know she’s thinking about rules.

“So long as he’s not bothering you,” Mrs. Jameson tells her. “But don’t let him convince you he’s starving. He’s a charmer, that one.”

“I can tell.” She scratches under his chin and he purrs loudly. “You’re quite the handsome fellow, aren’t you. What’s his name?”

“Bandit,” I say. Haley smiles, a small, private smile. “What?”

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