Page 57 of Alluring

Jack looked at her in stunned silence. "Do you honestly believe that?"

She folded her arms across her chest and tapped her foot. "Yes."

"Waking up with you in my arms, every morning, so I can happily go about my day knowing you'll be falling asleep in my arms at night, is your contribution."

"That's not a contribution."

"Love and devotion are," he countered.

"You contribute that, too." She threw up her arms in exasperation.

"Okay then how about this." He walked to her and put his hands on her waist, pulling her close and looking down at her. "I'm arrogant, overbearing, controlling, and possessive, and you put up with me and love me despite that. If I were to put a monetary value on that, it would come nowhere near what I paid for medical bills and tuition. Ask Becky if you don't believe that. She has to put up with me, too and her salary is obscene."

"Jack, I'm being serious."

"So am I. " He pulled her into his arms and held her tight. "I would pay any amount of money just to be in your presence on a daily basis and gladly go poor doing it. I know you don't see the full scope of all that is you, but I do. You are the most important thing in my world, and I take my job of protecting you, even from yourself, very seriously. I know I've said all this before, but I'll say it again and keep saying it until it sticks. I love you. Taking care of you makes me happy. So stop fighting me at every turn."

Alexis relaxed in his arms and squeezed him tight in return. He made it so damn hard to stay mad at him when everything he said was so damn sweet. "I can't promise not to fight with you about this in the future, but for today I'll let you win."

She felt Jack chuckling. "What's so funny?"

"You are the most stubborn person I know." He took a step back, speared his fingers threw her hair, slightly tilting her head and rubbing the sensitive skin by her ears with his thumbs. "And although you frustrate the hell out of me sometimes, I love every part of you and wouldn't change a thing.

Jack's words made her bristle. Her lips thinned and her eyes narrowed. "I am not stubborn. Anyone would balk at the extravagance you throw at me."

"No, sweetheart, they wouldn't."

"Okay fine, anyone with a shred of decency would."

Jack shook his head, chuckling again. "No, sweetheart, they wouldn't."

"Then you must know some pretty crappy people."

At that, Jack started laughing. "Maybe you're right." He gave a swift kiss on the lips. "Now let's go upstairs and have some make up sex."

Alexis gave an exasperated sigh but on the inside she was smiling. "Oh, alright," she huffed.

Jack smiled, "Come on, admit you want me."

"I said,alright, didn't I," she said flippantly.

"Quit being so sassy, or I'll bend you over my knee when we get upstairs."

Alexis sauntered across the office exaggerating the sway of her hips. She pulled open the door, turning her head to give Jack an impatient look. "Are you coming? Or, are you all talk."

He gave her a cocky grin. "I'll be coming alright, but not until you've come a least three times." He reached her in three long strides, pulled her from the door, closed it, and locked it.

"What are you doing?" she asked, as she watched him shut the blinds on the front window.

"I've changed my mind. That sassy mouth has gotten you into trouble. Now I can't wait until we get upstairs." He picked her up and started walking. "Now I'm gonna take you on my desk."

He set her down in front of the desk, facing away from him and leaned her over. With his hand pressing on her back between her shoulder blades he whispered in her ear, "You move, sweetheart, there will be a consequence. Nod if you understand."

Her cheek rested on some papers and they crinkled in her ear as she nodded.

"Good." He reached under her skirt and pushed it over her hips. His fingers traced lightly over her ass and she wiggled in response.

He slapped her lightly on one cheek. "Still."

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