Page 34 of Sworn to Protect

Mackenzie deserves so much more than the hand dealt. She’s fucking incredible.

She places the wooden spatula in the spoon holder and sidesteps around me to the refrigerator. I think she’s grabbing something from inside, but she lifts to her tiptoes, stretching to reach the top of the fridge. The griddle she’s trying to grasp scoots just out of her reach.

“Here, let me help.” I react before thinking and sidle next to her. Her body tucks against my side as I stretch to grab the edge. I don’t miss how well she fits against me as if made for me. I also don’t miss her soft intake of air. I quickly grab the griddle and place it on the island.

“I have some bread to make Texas toast,” she says absentmindedly, still frazzled. I’d puff my chest out, knowing I caused this visceral reaction, but I must admit. I feel a bit dazed myself.

“I can take care of the toast if there’s something else you need to do.”

“Thanks. The supplies are over there.” She points to the countertop behind me. Then, she beelines to the stove and stirs the sauce.

“Thank you for cleaning my house the other night.”

“I was keeping myself busy.”

“Still, it was nice. I don’t have much time for domestic chores right now.” She shoots me a sideways grin. “At least that’s my excuse.”

“You don’t need to explain it to me. I know how hard you work. I don’t mind taking care of a few things.”Or taking care of you.

Appreciation settles behind those shiny, bright eyes, but there’s a hint of desire. Or maybe that’s my reflection staring back because I want this woman. Inappropriate or not, I can’t deny what she does to me. What I wouldn’t give to have her glossy lips wrapped around my cock while those green eyes stare up at me. God, I want to bend her over this counter and sink balls deep into her tight pussy until she’s screaming my name as she milks me dry.

And this is why I’m going to burn in hell.

When Ethan told me to take care of his wife, I highly doubt he meant fantasizing about fucking her.

“You know, I assumed you were single. I should’ve asked if there was any woman in your life.”

“No. There’s no woman.”

“Has there ever been a Mrs. Dixon?”

“No. I’m married to the country.” Having dedicated my life to the army, I’ve spent countless days and nights attending to the wounded. I’ve seen too many sights I’d rather forget. There hasn’t been any time for me, let alone a particular woman. But with Mackenzie standing before me, I can see what I’ve been missing. For the first time, I stand here questioning my choice to remain single.

Her nose scrunches. “Like an environmentalist?”

I laugh and cross my arms over my chest. “Something like that. My last job required a lot of my time. Let’s just say I was ready for a break.”

“Hopefully, you’ll find what you need in Naperville.”

Our gazes hold. “Things are looking good.”

She presses her lips together as a pink blush creeps across her cheeks. Averting her attention back to the noodles, she breathes shallowly. “I think supper is ready.”

This moment proved that the more time we spend together, the more my willpower weakens. I’m only so strong when it comes to this woman, and I’ve tested my strength enough tonight. I need to leave after we have dinner. For her sake and mine. Because if I stay, I’ll ruin everything. And Mackenzie deserves someone whole. Someone who isn’t me.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

MACKENZIE

“Don’t tellMom that Mr. Morgan bought us ice cream. She won’t be happy,” Nick says.

I press my lips together to keep from laughing and linger by the kitchen as Nate and the kids enter the house. One week of Nate taking Liam to practice is in the bag. I keep waiting for Nate to bail on this new gig or tell me he bit off more than he can chew, but it hasn’t happened yet. He surprises me, considering he isn’t used to a family dynamic.

“Mum’s the word. But I bet she’d understand. It’d be rude to turn down Mark when he went to so much trouble,” Nate says, his tone light.

“Yeah, Toby’s dad seems awesome. He’s always taking Toby to different places. My dad never did anything like that.” The matter-of-fact way Liam says this grabs my attention. My stomach knots as I hold my breath, waiting for Nate’s response.

“Maybe because he wasn’t home much, what time he had with you, he didn’t want to share with anyone else.” Nate’s voice is even, but there’s a weight to it as if he’s carefully picking each word.

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