Page 7 of Indecent Villain

"The girl is accident prone," Martha says, appearing out of the blue.

The large man stares into my eyes, and I silently beg him not to say anything because I know that he knows who is responsible. He turns to the woman. "Martha, isn't it? You are wanted in the kitchen." When she hovers, he adds, "Now, woman!"

I wince, which Jock notices. "She won't touch you again. Come. He's waiting for you." I nod, trying to hide my nerves as I follow Jock down the dimly lit hallway. "Don't worry too much about the men in the house. They will leave you alone."

I hesitate at the top of the stairs. "Maybe I should have changed first."

"Nonsense. You look fine." Jock smiles. My eyes travel down my white tee to where my black jeans cling to my skin. Thick socks cover my feet. I didn’t bother with my biker boots today.

"Stop fidgeting," Jock says as he shoves me into my father's office—what was my father's office. The heavy door closes behind me. If I didn't know that Tiberius was already in the room, his scent would have given him away.

"You look scared," he comments.

I turn around. "It's unnerving having strange men wandering around my home."

His eyes narrow, and then he is suddenly in front of me. A large, tattooed hand holds my jaw as he turns my face to get a better look at the bruise forming there. I doubt Martha intended on leaving such a sign that she'd hit me.

Tiberius looks into my eyes. "This is because I called her out at lunch." His jaw tightens. "I'll get rid of her."

"No!" I grab hold of his wrist before I snatch my hand back. A sizzle of electricity shoots up my arm. I swallow hard. "I mean." I sigh. "I don't know what I mean."

His fingers gently smooth over the soreness of my cheek before he steps back. "That woman?—"

“Boss,” a dark-skinned man interrupts us. He grins when he sees me, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone with such perfect, white teeth before.

My lips twist into a smile when I realize the man is really being friendly. “Hello,” I offer.

Tiberius narrows his eyes between the two of us and snaps, “Saul! I do not pay you to drool over my”—he clears his throat—“niece.”

“No, sir!” Saul snaps his focus to Tiberius, who hasn’t stopped glaring. “I came to tell you the truck is five minutes out.”

“Okay. Get them moving once they arrive.”

Saul nods and exits the room without another glance my way.

“Are the men moving in as well?” I ask the silently brooding man. I try to ignore the fact we’re dressed similarly. Thank God I left my boots off; otherwise, we’d be identical.

“Yes.” He enters my space, and it takes all my will power not to back down. “You will not encourage them.”

It takes me a moment to understand what he is saying. When I do, my eyes widen in surprise. “He’s far too old for me.” I don’t add that my taste in men centers on the man in front of me.

“So dramatic.” He steps back and looks irritated. “Regardless, do not speak to my men.”

The sound of a loud vehicle approaching breaks the silence as the wheels crunch on the driveway.

I look out the window and frown at the eighteen-wheeler. “What is in there?”

“Furniture, among other things.” He pauses in the doorway. “Do you want any of the furniture from your parents’ bedroom before I have it destroyed?”

“No, thank you.” That is something I do not want. “However, if you wish to get rid of my father’s desk, I would like that.”

He nods. “Dinner will be in an hour or so.”

“Why don’tyou step away from the window?” Jock suggests.

“I’m curious. I’ve seen Tiberius every now and again over the years; however, I never actually met him until the reading of the will. I mean, he was at the funeral, but we didn’t speak. My father thought he was doing the right thing by making me his ward. So, I must trust in that.” It doesn’t stop me from admiring the fit of his jeans and tee as he moves.

“Your father knew Beckett would protect you if he asked. You will be safe here.”

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