Page 28 of Caught in His Sights

My feet carry me across the room to the bed, and I run my hand along the back of the thick post, finding the industrial metal ring attached to the back. A chain dangles from it, ending in padded handcuffs lined in black fur. It feels soft beneath my fingertips, and I lift it to my nose, searching for the scent of another.

Caleb said he didn’t bring people here to entertain them, and as far as I can tell, he hasn’t used these. My pulse pounds hard through my body, the thought of being tied down, with no other option except to submit, nearly bringing me to my knees.

Before I give in to the temptation to lock myself up and roll around in his sheets, marking them with my pheromones, I drop the cuff and back out of the room, turning the lights off.

Then I go to the hall bathroom and splash cold water over my flushed cheeks until the fever subsides.

Caleb Rockford is going to tear through all of my defenses and break me into pieces. Who will I be when he puts me back together?

And do I even care, so long as he keeps me?

9

The aroma of cooked vegetables greets me as I limp back downstairs, and a wave of relief washes over me that nothing smells burned. Caleb managed to salvage breakfast after all.

As I return to the kitchen, I find him spooning veggie scrambles onto two plates. It’s not the omelets I planned, but it will do.

Caleb glances up as I enter, his well-defined body on full display with only his slacks on. The sight of him shirtless sends a shiver through me. I want to rub myself all over him.

Resisting the temptation, I sit on one of the stools at the island.

“Smells delicious,” I say, trying to sound casual when my heart won’t quiet after my little investigation.

“You started it, and I finished it. That’s teamwork.” He brings my plate over. “Did you find what you were looking for in my bedroom?”

Worried that I crossed a line, I freeze.

“Relax,” Caleb says with a chuckle. “You’re welcome to go into any part of the house.”

“Really?” I ask, surprised by his nonchalance.

“Of course.” He leans down, his deep voice caressing my ear. “You could have even tried on the cuffs if you wanted to.”

Shock jolts through me, and my cheeks burn with embarrassment that he caught me in the act.

“Cameras, remember?” The warmth of his body envelops me. “But don’t worry. Only I watch the footage from those. The Rockford family has private security, but they’ll only access the ones in the bedrooms and bathrooms if they believe I’m in danger.”

His breath against the shell of my ear makes me tremble, as does the thought of being watched. “So, they would have been watching if we had continued on the couch?”

Caleb’s rumbling laugh vibrates through me. “They would have gotten a show.”

Feverish heat rushes through my veins, and I whimper.

A rumble rises from Caleb’s chest. “You smell delicious.”

Instead of continuing, though, he straightens and takes his plate, moving to sit on the stool beside me.

As we eat, I discover free-range does not improve the flavor of eggs, so I pick out all the veggies, only half paying attention. I’m too aware of Caleb’s every movement, the way his lips close around his fork, and the warmth radiating from his body.

I take a deep breath, trying to distract myself from the desire coursing through my veins. “So, what do you do during the day when you’re not on a job?”

Caleb shrugs, swallowing a bite of his scramble. “Hang out at home, watch movies, and work out. In the evenings, I make an appearance at one of the clubs or casinos so the media can take their pictures of me being a playboy.”

I stiffen at the thought of him with other people, flirting and dancing. “Is that your plan for tonight?”

“Actually, yeah.” Caleb wipes his lips with a napkin. “I have plans to go to the casino.”

“Who’s your date going to be?” I attempt to keep my tone light even though my chest hurts at the thought of him with someone else.

---