Page 21 of Regally Binding

Liss walked around her room as the afternoon sun filled the bedroom. The day had been quiet so far, but she refused to read any more of the book Isla had left her.

She’d managed half last night, and it had given her a memorable Bear-related sex dream. Desire careered around her body. All this time, with nothing to do but fantasise about her bodyguard. She needed to be productive.

Liss let out a huff and stalked around the room, rummaging through every drawer she passed. They were all empty because there was no point in unpacking if she wasn’t staying long. She smacked them against the backboard as she closed them.

“What are you doing?” Bear bellowed from the adjoining living room.

“Nothing,” she shouted back, opening the wardrobe. Liss slammed the wardrobe door. Maybe she wouldn’t revisit last night’s dream if she kept doing this.

A loud yawn preceded Bear’s shout. “I’d rather you didn’t break the furniture. We like using this hotel for work. Maybe you should get in here.”

“Maybe you should fuck—” The shout died on her tongue. Bear watched her from the doorway.

“Maybe I should fuck what?” He yawned again. “You moan a lot when you dream.” His gaze locked with hers in a challenge. “Are you always so vocal in your sleep?”

She folded her arms and glowered. “I don’t moan in my sleep.”

Bear tipped his head back, and a breathy moan left his lips. “That’s how you sound. What were you dreaming about, and how’s that book working out for you?” Bear offered a pouty smile.

Liss stared at him as she banged another drawer. The bodyguard-related sex dream flashed in her mind. She couldn’t stop the memory of Bear’s fingers deep inside her as he pulled her orgasm closer. He’d then placed her hand against his dick. At the vivid memory of his erection, she glanced down.

He cocked his head and thrust out his chest. “Enjoy the view, baby.”

She glared at him.

“Maybe you make noises in your sleep too, if you ever sleep. You look knackered,” Liss replied. Dark circles settled deep under his eyes, and the smattering growth of hair around his lips and chin gave him a rugged look and proved he hadn’t shaved.

He returned to the living space, saying over his shoulder, “I learnt a long time ago not to sleep soundly. You have to be awareof your surroundings and not trust strangers.” Did he mean as a bodyguard, or was there another reason he needed to be aware of his surroundings? His dig cut into her thoughts. “Something you don’t understand, seeing as you send pictures of your naked body to guys you haven’t met.”

“Everyone does that.” She followed him into the living space. “Don’t try and shame me. Are you telling me you’ve never been sent a photo like that or sent one?”

“I’ve never sent one but received a few.” He shrugged half-heartedly before giving her a smile that made her hips roll of their own volition.Keep still, you traitorous bastards.

“Whatever,” she said between pinched lips.

“More than a few, but that’s what happens when you make someone come several times in one afternoon. Add that to your dreams, and maybe the whole hotel will hear you moan next time.” He sat back in his chair and checked his phone while yawning.

Liss stood directly before him and waved her hands in the air. “How come you get to have your phone and I don’t?” she snapped. Maybe that would distract her from her boredom.

Bear tipped his head and folded his arms, drawing her eyes to the rolled-up sleeves of his crumpled shirt. Hints of a tattoo she couldn’t decipher peeked from beneath the white cotton. As her brows furrowed, he pushed his sleeves down and hid his forearms.

“My phone is secure. I’ll give you one that our IT person has secured for you, but it hasn’t any numbers or messages saved. I’m afraid your non-date won’t be able to message you.”

Liss shoved her hands on her hips. “I don’t care about him.” She’d forgotten about him after days with a man too sexy for his own good.

“Of course you don’t.” Bear returned to his phone. “And you don’t care why he didn’t reply to a picture of your naked body either. You are so above that.”

“You’re a dick.” She attempted to shove his legs apart with her knee. They didn’t budge an inch.

“You’re not the first to call me that, and you won’t be the last. Now, if you don’t have anything interesting to share, maybe you should exercise. Your strength is pitiful.” He didn’t look up at her as he dismissed her. He was so touchy when tired.

“Did you see the photo?” Maybe if she got her phone back, she could delete the photo from it for good.

“Of course I didn’t. I may be a dick, but I’m a respectful one.”

“Maybe you should look at it.”

His head snapped up. “You want me to see you naked?”

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