Page 50 of Embracing Hope

She raised her chin to meet his gaze. “What did you do to instill fear in Wheeler and the others? They wouldn’t even glance in my direction this morning.” She wrung more water from her hair.

“They understood that what happened to Wheeler could easily happen to any of them who crossed a line. When this merger happens, I’ll expect respect.”

“When and not if?”

“I’m leaning more toward when.”

“Again, I don’t need a protector,” she said confidently.

“It’s in my blood to protect. Can’t be changed.”

“We’re having sex. We’re not attached at the hip. You’re not relationship material, remember?” She didn’t like that she said the words, but had that changed?

“I explained myself. I’m not changing my mind.”

“Is that what that was? An explanation or a demand?” She strode past him to stuff her feet into her socks and boots.

*****

Isaac had just finished a call when he watched Hope ride by atop a horse. A combination of anger and annoyance spiraled through him. Last night, she’d been hurt by an intruder, and today, she acted like nothing happened. He sometimes found her stubbornness humorous, but this wasn’t one of those moments. Isaac didn’t trust any of the hands further than he could throw them. After his altercation with Wheeler last night, he knew the men didn’t have respect for Hope.

So whether she thought she needed his protection or not, she would have to deal with it.

He’d been on a horse taking a look at the property, so when she passed he finished up his call with his brother and followed her.

Seeing her come out of the water partially nude, the skimpy bra and panties might as well have been nonexistent because they left nothing to the imagination. Something told him she knew exactly how much she turned him on. After what they’d shared last night, something was shifting between them. It was something he couldn’t fully grasp.

He believed she’d be secure inside the house with Dolly, but he worried about her being outside on the property where anything could occur.

Now, she sashayed right past him, and he tailed her.

His chest hummed with adrenaline. He had half a mind to drag her over his knee and spank the sassiness out of her.

“We’re not through talking,” he said to her back.

“One of us is.” She kept walking.

He shook his head in irritation. “I’m going to be your shadow today.”

“Like hell you are,” she flung back at him and picked up her pace.

He almost found it comical that she thought she could outpace him. “Don’t be so complicated.”

She stopped and swung around to face him. “I’m the one being difficult?”

“Yes.”

With a frustrated sigh, she stomped toward her horse and climbed into the saddle. He mounted his borrowed horse and caught up to her. He looked over at her profile. He’d never met a more independent woman.

His chest welled with the need to protect her…but he also grappled with a need to rip her clothes off and show her how much he wanted her, even after last night.

“Why is it so hard for you to accept someone’s help?” he said as he absorbed the scenery around him.

“I haven’t asked for your help.” She rode ahead.

His eyes targeted her firm bottom bouncing in the saddle. Looking back, he had no idea how he’d resisted the temptation for so long. He didn’t have the strength in his tank to resist her again.

Isaac had to shift in the saddle because his cock had a mind of its own. He swelled against the zipper, and a pain shot through his pulsing balls. He’d always had a clear head on his shoulders. Logic reigned over desire, but that got all twisted when Hope looked at him. Her eyes were like hypnotic pools.

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