Page 38 of Regally Binding

“Liss, oh my god, your arm. What happened? Steve called me and told me you were hurt at the pub. What were you doing there?”

Bear shook his head. “I need to make a couple of private calls. Would it be okay if you two went into the bedroom?” He was unexpectedly polite. “I’ll bring the food in when it arrives.”

“And painkillers.”

“I wouldn’t forget those, Princess. I never forget pain relief,” he replied before rubbing a hand down his face and mouthing, “For fucks sake, Bear.”

If her supposed attacker didn’t kill her first, then Bear would be the death of her. She let out a slow breath. What a way to go, in the sexiest blaze of glory imaginable.

Chapter Nineteen

“Tell me everything,” Isla demanded as she closed the door to the bedroom.

Liss stared out the window, giving her burning cheeks the time to cool. Tall buildings crowded the small space of the city, and in the distance, sports grounds and local landmarks littered the area. She bit the inside of her mouth as she focused on the tiny people-shaped spots below.

“Hey, Liss,” Isla called out as if she’d been talking for a while. “What is going on between you two? I can’t tell if you hate each other or want to fuck each other, but either way, it’s the hottest thing I’ve seen in ages. I’m guessing the book helped.”

Liss turned to find Isla with her hands on her hips. Thank god her best friend was here after everything. “Coming from the woman who’s screwed Ewan in the last six months, and I’m ignoring the book comment.” Liss chuckled. Isla smirked and flicked her hair. “Could you help me get changed? I want something soft and cuddly to wear.”

Isla slowly helped Liss out of the sling and her leggings, vest, and bra before putting her in fluffy pyjama bottoms and T-shirt while discussing the enigma that was Ewan.

“Do you shout ballbags when you come?” Liss asked, resting against the bed’s headboard.

Isla burst into laughter. “Is that what he said? The cheeky twat.” Tears ran down her cheeks, and she gasped for breath.

A knock came at the door.

“Enter,” Liss shouted. Smells of burgers and freshly cooked chips wafted through the door. It mixed with the scents ofcaramel, chocolates, and raspberries. Her belly rumbled louder than Isla’s laughter.

A bemused Bear lifted the food as he stood at the doorway’s threshold. “Is she okay?” he asked as Isla gasped for breath.

“No first aid needed here,” Liss replied as drool collected in her mouth. “We’re talking about Isla’s eventful sex life.”

“Hey.” Isla threw a pillow. Liss ducked, and it hit the headboard.

“I’ll go,” he said, popping the food on the bed and backing away.

Isla and Liss shouted for him to stay and eat with them.

The hint of a smile crossed his face before disappearing as quickly. “Okay, but then I have other work.” He pulled painkillers out of his pocket before leaving the room and returning with drinks from the fridge. “No alcohol while you’re on these. Not that you two need it,” he added under his breath before sitting in the chair at the edge of the bedroom.

Liss ripped her burger apart with the ferocity of a panther. She moaned orgasmically as the sauce filled her mouth and the melted cheese covered her tongue. As she groaned a second time, she sensed attention. Bear tracked her hunger with licking lips and a shift in his seat.

Liss’s blush remained as she gulped down her pills and drink. Bear continued to watch her, only this time, her throat held his attention.

“Ummm, yeah, where were we?” Liss asked as heat climbed her chest. “Oh yeah. You shout ‘ballbags’ when you come.”

Isla grinned around a chip. “I do not,” she replied. “I say it when a man comes, and I don’t. And when he offers me no release yet thinks he’s done. Arsehole.”

Bear winced. Occasionally, his gaze would flick up to Liss before returning to his food.

Liss wiped the sauce off her lips with the back of her hand.

“The most depressing thing is that it’s not unusual,” Isla added before taking a huge bite of her burger.

“I should go,” Bear mumbled. “I’m not sure I need to be here for this.”

“We might need a male perspective,” Liss added. She didn’t want him to go. His presence grounded her after everything that had happened that day.

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