Page 33 of Daddy's Wild Girl

“Now, we’re going to have a talk about what just happened.” Corbin drew a chair away from her small wooden table. Most of the furniture had come with the house. Which was just as well since she didn’t really have spare money for furniture. “Sit.”

“You know, you’re cute when you get all commanding.”

“Bebe,” he said in a low tone. “Sit.”

She sat.

Sheesh. Very potent. She eyed him carefully as he started to pace.

“Pacing is never a good sign,” she stated. “It’s like jumping straight to level three.”

“What?” he asked, pausing and looking confused.

“It’s a level three. Frowning and a stern voice is level one. Hands on hips is level two. Pacing is level three. Crossing arms over the chest is definitely a level four. Then there is: ‘come here and stand in front of me while I lecture you.’ Totally level five and the level you don’t want to reach.”

He blinked at her several times. “Are you familiar with people lecturing you?”

“You could say that.”

“Your parents?”

She couldn’t help it. She burst into giggles. “My parents? Good Lord, no. They’d have to notice me in order to lecture me. No, I’ve had other fun experiences of being lectured to death. I know my lecture levels. You jumped a few levels which isn’t a good sign.”

“Then you should let me just pace for a moment.”

“I should? Why is that?”

“Bebe, just . . . just hush for a minute.” He stopped and placed his hand over his face. “Let me calm down.”

Hmm, this was different. She wasn’t used to anyone trying to calm themselves down before they spoke to her.

Perhaps she’d give the poor guy some slack.

So she sat and watched him.

Like a good Little girl.

Well, not aLittleLittle. She didn’t do that anymore.

Not sincehim.

The asshole.

“Right.” Corbin stopped in front of her. “We need to get something clear.”

“Yes?” she asked.

“You do not ever get between me and an unknown threat.” He gave her a stern look.

“But Bob isn’t an unknown!” she protested. “I’ve known him for ages!”

“Really? How long?” he asked.

“I dunno. Two months? So he’s not a stranger.”

His jaw tightened. “I’m not finished speaking. So hush.” He didn’t say it in a mean tone. No, his voice was calm and even.

Which kind of meant it had more of an impact.

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