Page 25 of Her Reclusive Beast

My gaze bounces between them. “Now what?”

Max shrugs. “The same plan as before, little one. You edit, while Javier and I make arrangements.”

I scowl, but I don’t have any arguments for the logic of that. It’s not like I know anyone in this town, or have secret government connections. Reluctantly, I drag myself off to Max’s office and the new manuscript.

Curled up in his comfortable armchair, I’m just at the beginning of the end when Max appears in the doorway. “Lunch, Jenna.”

I frown up at him. “Surely not. What time is it?”

“Two. You need to eat, baby.” His possessive growl sends shivers down my spine.

My stomach wakes up and starts reminding me it’s hungry, so reluctantly I set the manuscript aside on a nearby table. I cast longing glances back at it as Max ushers me from the room. “I’m almost done. Surely I can eat later?”

His snort says it all. There’s a lonely plate with a ham sandwich and a banana sitting on the table.

Sighing, I sit and begin eating. Max watches me like a hawk, as if worried I’m going to get up and run away. I scowl at him.“Well? Where’s Javier? And why didn’t you call me when you ate?”

Shaking his head, I can see the smile twitching at the corners of his mouth. “Javier is in town. I’m sure he can find food on his own.”

The sandwich disappears faster than I expected. Peeling the banana, I decide to tease Max a little, closing my mouth around the tip and hollowing my cheeks. His eyes narrow, making me want to laugh, but instead I slow my movements, licking the fruit until it practically disintegrates on my tongue.

Max watches silently until I can’t hold the giggles in any longer. “Are you done teasing me, little one?”

I nod, grinning.

“Then come tell me what your terms are for editing. I assume you like the manuscript?”

Sitting up straight, I nod again, this time in a completely professional manner. “What are you offering?”

Max’s beautiful lips purse thoughtfully. “Five cents a word and your name on the cover.”

Frowning, I mull that over. It’s a generous amount, given that I don’t have an established business, but once I take off for business expenses, there won’t be much left. “You won’t give me grief if I take on other clients?”

Max places his hands on the table and leans down. “You don’t travel without me, and my books always take priority. We can negotiate the rates independently.”

“Hang on, if I can’t travel without you and you refuse to go anywhere…”

Max smirks. “We can go further if you are along to do the check-in at the hotel. Provided, of course, it’s where I can still keep an eye on you.”

“So we can fly to New York?” I ask hesitantly.

He shrugs. “As long as you can keep any travel and being out in public to daylight hours, yes.”

“Fine.” I extend my hand for a businesslike shake. Except Max doesn’t let go of it at the end. Instead, his grip on my fingers intensifies as he reels me in.

“I really think we should seal every deal in a more personal manner, little Jenna,” he murmurs, pulling me towards the staircase.

In his, our, bedroom he looms over me once again, trailing a finger down my cheek gently. “You are mine now, Jenna, yes? As a woman and an editor?”

I nod hesitantly. Max’s smile is wolfish. “Then let me show you what that means.”

Efficiently, he removes my clothing one more time before I have a chance to say anything. The next thing I know, my face is buried in a pillow and his tongue is laving my lower back. It makes me shiver with need, the way he licks and then lets the cool air of the room dry my skin. He continues working his way up my spine. I’m an absolute puddle by the time he pauses near my shoulder blade. He nips it lightly and then flips me over.

The heat in Max’s eyes has me spreading my legs in anticipation. He moves over me, one hand reaching for his belt. I lick my lips, craving his invasion.

There’s a faint knocking sound, followed by a louder pounding. Max growls. “Don’t you dare move,” he orders, moving off me and the bed. I pout in disappointment, but Max has already turned and left the room.

I consider my options. I could stay here as instructed or… I could get dressed and return downstairs, find out who’s here, and maybe enjoy Max’s punishment for disobedience later? Licking my lips in delight, I realize there’s no real decision to be made. Dressing quickly, I sigh at missing the big culmination of Max’s attentions, but it’s more delayed than revoked.

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