Page 174 of My Rules

“Not hard to work out. The man’s a fuckwit.”

“This is true.” I twist my lips as I think.

“Did you tell him we’re together?” he asks.

I hesitate before I answer. Wait a minute ... “Are we together?”

“Yes. We’re together,” he snaps.

“Oh ...” I think on this for a moment. “Are we not having a conversation about this?”

“This is the conversation.”

“Oh.” I smile. Why is his caveman act exciting to me? “How very presumptuous of you.”

“Not presumptuous, just stating the facts. Tell him.”

“No, because then he’s going to file a complaint.”

“He can do whatever he wants. I have it on record with a witness that he came over and caused a disturbance, and I was simply defending myself.”

Relief fills me. This won’t turn into a huge mess after all. “Oh, I love you.” My eyes widen. I did not just say that. “I mean ... not love, love, I just ...” Oh my god ... help. “You know, relieved. For you and Henley. I love you and Henley, like friends ... you know?” I’m spluttering and tripping over my words.

“Relax.” He chuckles. “I know what you mean.”

I close my eyes as my face flushes with embarrassment. I just told him I love him, and we haven’t even slept together yet.

I’m officially the world’s biggest loser. I close my eyes and pinch the bridge of my nose.

“What do you feel like for dinner?” he asks to change the subject.

A muzzle.

“I don’t mind, whatever you feel like,” I whisper, embarrassed.

“I’m not sure you would want to eat what I feel like eating,” he says. His voice has that playful, naughty edge, and it brings a smile to my face.

“Behave yourself, Dr. Grayson.”

“Make me.”

“I’m going now.” I smirk.

“Goodbye, Miss Dalton.” He hangs on the line, and I smile harder.

“This time tomorrow, we will be on our way to Cancún,” I tell him.

“That’s if you survive tonight.”

I laugh out loud. “I really am going now, you deviant. Goodbye.” I hang up and feel my armpits begin to heat as an excited flush falls over me.

How is he so hot?

I get a feeling that maybe he won’t survive.

Blake

Lazarus’s eyes roam over my naked flesh as I lie on the table.

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