Page 20 of Guarded Hearts

Her delicate throat worked on a swallow that made ripples of want break over his whole body.

He couldn’t take this much longer.

Holding back his growl, he planted his hands on the counter and leaned in. “Let’s go over the rules again.”

She continued to drink her coffee.

“No open blinds.”

She didn’t react.

“Today you completely disregarded that rule.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.” She went back to sipping like the french vanilla roast was her power source.

He gripped the marble countertop harder. “If you can’t keep the windows covered, then you’ll sleep in the guest room. With me. And I’ll makedamn surethat you don’t break the rule.”

She gulped her sip and let out a sputtering cough. The urge to circle the island was too strong. He firmed his knees to keep from moving and continued spelling out the rules.

“No swimming alone.”

The Olympic-sized family pool was her favorite place to spend her summer days. She was a terrific swimmer, and he’d give anything to watch her do laps. But only if he was with her.

“What, are you a lifeguard now?”

He stared at her, letting the silence impress his point. Several seconds passed before he went on. “No wandering the grounds alone.”

“But I want to spend time with my horses!”

“Then you’ll go with me. Or with one of my brothers if they come over to help out.”

She issued a sigh through her nose but didn’t respond with words.

“No leaving the house—”

“Are you kidding me? I’m practically a prisoner in my own home—”

“Alone,” he cut her off. “No phone calls without me checking into the caller first.”

She crossed the kitchen, drawing his attention to her tight, round ass in that form-fitting skirt, and poured herself more coffee. He started to speak, but she was banging around bottles of flavoring and creamer.

Tuning him out.

“One more thing, Layne.”

“Mmhmm?” She busied herself stirring all the extras into her coffee.

“No panties.”

She whirled around, coffee forgotten. Her expression unreadable and new to him.

After she set down her mug carefully, she squared her shoulders. He waited for her to walk out.

To his surprise, she reached under her skirt.

Oh god, what was she doing?

His tongue dried out. His cock thickened.

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