Page 121 of Reclaiming Adelaide

“Yes, Jake?”

“Shouldn’t you get some rest? Take the day off.”

I shook my head. That was the worst advice. I needed out of my head and into the mind of someone else. If I sat around without taxing my brain, it would wander to my parents, and I couldn’t stay in that abyss.

No.

I had a mountainous list of requirements that I needed executing and a bank account that needed draining or worse.

“I need to work. I can’t sit around and twiddle my thumbs.”

He sighed, his shoulders dropping. Did he just give in without a fight?

“Okay.” He nodded.

I walked into the closet, pulled out one of his graphic t-shirts, and laughed as I found one that suited the occasion.

‘My other computer is your computer,’ typed out in red font on a black shirt, had me rushing to get it on.

“What’s so funny?”

“I love this shirt.”

“I’m going to start a collection for you.”

My laughter died in my throat as I shook my head. “I’ll just wear yours.” I pulled the baggy shirt over my head, the long T ended mid-thigh, then slipped on a pair of black panties.

“Where are you going?” Jake said as I walked towards the door.

“To work.”

“Not like that, you aren’t.”

“Jake…” I said, turning and leaning against the door with his chest in my face.

“Max is out there, and he’ll see you.”

“A little hard for him to do that when his face is buried between her legs.”

“If he looks at you, it’ll start a war because I’ll kill him. Are you prepared for that?”

I tipped my head back and laughed, my hand landing on his chest. “Don’t be so dramatic.”

Jake wrapped his hand around the back of my neck, his thumb pressed under my chin, forcing my gaze to meet his. “I’m dead serious.”

His stolid black gaze wiped the gaiety from the atmosphere. I took in a deep breath and glanced toward the closet door. “He can’t see anything.”

“Is that a risk you’re willing to take?”

“Fine. But you know this alpha-hole thing is not normal, right?” I sighed and rolled my eyes.

“Roll your eyes at me again, little girl.”

“Or what? Are you going to spank me?”

His hand slid around the front of my neck, cupping my throat. “I’m not opposed to it.”

My stomach swirled and dropped as though I had taken the biggest dip on a rollercoaster. Adrenaline burned through my veins as my heart rate hiked up from the prospect of his warm hand on my ass.

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