Page 33 of Babydoll

“Okay. Good. That’s a relief. I didn’t think so, but I had to be sure. And the gap between drugs and selling is smaller than you think.” His gaze softens. “So why are they really up your ass?”

“None of your business.” I say, the words grinding out between my teeth as if I’d chewed them from stone. I grab my car door and yank it open. He blocks the entrance.

“Babydoll. I’m not asking you these questions to be a prick. I need to know and now I’m done asking nicely. Spill.” He’s firm but calm despite my agitation and that increases my irritability.

“Jesus! It’s not your job to take care of me! My life is none of your business.” I shove him hard and look him straight in the eye. “The Daddy thing was a joke. Is a joke. It’s not real, Jeff. I’m not in the mood. And it’s over.”

I don’t have the energy to stand after my outburst, so I lean against the car, staring up at him, daring him to mess with me. Anger, hot and turbulent, shoves all my other emotions down deep.

He watches me, digesting my words. “You’re right, I should mind my own business, but I can’t.” He leans both hands on the car, caging me in like he did that night Slash cut him. “I know you’re in trouble.” His mouth firms, his eyes harden and my anger wavers.

He’s all towering, stern and sexy.

“I’ve watched you wilting for too damn long. And ever since I caught you with my pudding—” He gathers a breath and his voice softens. “I care, okay?” He swears under his breath andlooks at our feet a moment before once again locking gazes with me.

“I don’t know why, Lu, but I do.” After an intense thirty seconds his mouth pulls on one side, and all the intensity in his face is replaced by the flirtatiousness I’ve grown to enjoy. “And if I haven’t made it clear, it’s not in a general humanitarian sort of way.”

My throat works hard to swallow the lump growing inside it.

“Well, you shouldn’t. I’m none of your concern. And I’m not looking for a lover.” I lower my eyes. “And even if I was, it wouldn’t be you.” The words are petulant and untrue and when I look back up at him, I know he knows it. “You’re rather unattractive.”

Lies. Lies. Lies.

He tips my chin up. “You’ve got this spark—maybe it’s more of a fire, and it makes me crazy,” he says with a chuckle. “I can’t decide whether to toss you over my knee or shove you against the wall and kiss you into the middle of next week.”

Heat stirs in me. My belly, my chest, and the back of my neck all sizzle with it.

“You want my opinion on that, Daddy?” There’s something tough about my words but underneath, I’m burning up with need.

He smirks at me, shaking his head, his eyes flashing both amusement and challenge.

“I’m kind of a fan of time travel…” My words trail off.

“My gut,” he taps two fingers just beneath his sternum, “tells me the woman hiding beneath this bluster is one that I want to get to know.” His eyes narrow. “That I need to know. And not just in my bed.”

I snort and look away to hide my burning face. My eyes sting and my throat feels too tight. “Go find someone else to play Daddy to. Plenty of women like that sort of thing.” My wordsare quiet but carry an edge. Hopefully enough of one to hide the vulnerability he’s brought to the surface.

“I’ve never wanted to Daddy anyone before you. I’ve also never really met anyone that needs one. Plenty of people in this world who could use a damn keeper, but you need more than that. You don’t just need someone to level out your attitude or make sure you eat and sleep in a real bed. You need someone to love you, take their time with you and coax out the vulnerable woman inside who hides behind tough, no-nonsense Lu.” His hand wraps around my upper arm and pulls me against him. “You can let go now, babydoll, I’ve got you.” His towering form presses tightly against me and the air between us, thicker than pudding, along with his words, all soft but determined, snap my bravado.

“Please,” I whisper, lifting my eyes to his, pleading with them. “Leave me alone. I’m a shit magnet. I’ll ruin you.” My nose tingles and my eyes burn. He swims a moment before me until I blink my tears away.

Before I can say another word, his mouth is on mine.

Those perfect lips demand, possess, and own.

He lets go of me but not for long. His arms are quickly wrapped around my back, pinning me against him, holding me up on weakened knees as his kiss sweeps me away from reality. And then his breath is on my trembling, freshly loved lips.

“Push all you want, babydoll. I’ll still be here.”

I’m suddenly released, teetering on unsteady legs. He opens the car door, moving me to sit in driver’s seat. Leaning down, he says, “You’ll learn soon enough, Tallulah Jane, I’m even more stubborn than you when it comes to what I want.” He gives one huffing chuckle. “And in case it’s not clear, babydoll, I want you.”

I’m shocked. How the hell can he possibly want me? I’m trouble in every sense of the word.

“Go now. I’ll see you tomorrow. We’ll face Satan’s Ransom together.”

What?

He shuts my door, turns, and walks back to the factory, leaving me slack-jawed and shivering. Only this time not because of the cold.

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