Page 22 of Forever Touched

Deciding to throw him a bone, I replied, “Three. Two in the bedroom, and one out here. The one out here is video only, though.”

He snorted in disgust, probably remembering themomentwe’d shared last night. Yep. We hadn’t been alone.

He was silent for another long beat, probably wishing he’d never tried to “save” me. That made two of us. Still, I was going to make the best out of this situation. He just had to take the bait.

Finally, he blew out a sigh and said, “So, if you join me on this couch, they’ll leave us alone?”

“Yep.” Hopefully. We’d have to make it look convincing, though, which wouldn’t be easy.

“Fine. But keep your hands to yourself.”

At the long-suffering look he gave me, I nearly rolled my eyes. What a baby. Before he could change his mind, I rose from my chair and sauntered into the living room.

A scowl pulled at his full lips. “What are you doing?”

This time, Ididroll my eyes. “Joining you on the couch. Did youalready forget?”

“No, but why can’t you walk normally?”

“Normally?” I glanced down at my legs. “I’m just walking.”

“No, you’re sashaying.”

A laugh burst from me. “Sashaying? Isthatwhat this is?”

I gave him a mocking little twirl, then froze when I saw his face. He looked like lightning had just struck him.

“What?” I asked, making sure all my bits were still concealed by the robe.

He cleared his throat and sat up straight. “Nothing. Just hurry up and get over here.”

I shrugged. “Your wish is my command.” Picking up the pace, I beelined for the spot next to him. Before I could take a seat, though, he snagged my waist and deposited me on his lap.Horseystyle, with my front facing his and my legs straddling his waist.

My body immediately tensed, unprepared for the move. Every instinct demanded I pull away, but I forced myself to remain where I was. “What are you doing?” I asked, struggling to keep my voice even.

“You said we needed to get cozy.”

My heart beat a little too fast, panicking at how close he was. His hands were still on my waist, and I could feel their heat through my thin robe. Swallowing roughly, I replied, “Yeah, but I thought you didn’t want me to touch you.”

“I don’t. But if you keep your hands off my cock, we’ll be fine.”

I choked back a nervous laugh, caught off guard by the blunt statement. “Fair enough. Where do you want them then?”

“My shoulders will do.”

“Okay.” I raised my hands to his shoulders and lightly rested them on top, then airily exclaimed, “Oh, wow. What broad shouldersyou have, my lord.”

He really did. He was built like a tank, every inch of him hard muscle.

He looked at me like I’d lost my mind. Sure enough, he grunted and said, “No witch in their right mind would work in a place like this.”

“You’re right,” I glibly replied with a smirk. “I’m not in my right mind.”

He shook his head, but I didn’t fail to notice how his gaze rested on my mouth a little too long.

Hmm . . .

“Tell you what,” I said, keeping my tone casual. “I’ll make sure my employers aren’t suspicious of you if you tell me who you are.”

---