Page 50 of Bossy Hero

“I won’t lie to you, Maddie. Ever. The job isn’t risk-free, but it’s a hell of a lot safer than what he’s been doing. That’s for damn sure. With Redleg, he’ll have the best gear. Best tech. And he’ll be prepared to protect our clients and himself as safely as possible. I’ve got instructors who will teach him even more than he already knows—which is quite a bit. I’ll look after him, treating him like he’s my family. Same as I will for everyone else at Redleg. I’ll do everything in my power to keep him safe. That’s what I can promise you.”

When I’m done with my little speech, it’s her turn to try to read me. Silently, she studies me just like I do to everyone else.

It’s interesting to be on this end of the experience. I’d always assumed it would be unsettling to be examined like this. But her assessment doesn’t leave me feeling vulnerable or exposed.

It’s peaceful. And a bit freeing, oddly enough.

There’s nothing I need to hide from her. I’d answer any question she asked with honesty. And I’d let her see any part of me. Even the dark bits.

I’ve seen some of hers.

It’s only fair she sees mine.

Our stare is severed when a swell of raucous laughter rings out from the other side of the bonfire. Sawyer’s telling another joke, by the look and sound of it.

She tips her head toward him. “You’re taking him too?”

“Yes.”

“Good. They’ll look after each other.” Her grin widens. “And they can look after you too.”

I scoff, feigning offense. “What makes you think I need looking after?”

“You might have the body of a god, but you aren’t one.” She chuckles softly, tucking herself deeper into her little blanket cocoon. “After all, no one can whistle a symphony on their own. It takes an orchestra.”

“That’s beautiful. Who said it?”

“I don’t know. I heard it often growing up.” Glancing down, she grabs a chunk of what looks like some type of bread or cake from the baggie on her lap. “Here. You can have a bite.” She holds up a piece for me.

I squint at the offered treat. “What is it?”

“Banana bread.”

“Mmm.” I jut my neck forward, opening my mouth.

“You want me to feed you? Does this look like a full-service establishment?”

“My hands are dirty,” I fib.

“Still a flirt, I see.” She clicks her tongue at me, adding a shake of her head to sell her faux annoyance. “You’re just trying to get me to touch your mouth.”

“Busted.” I let my jaw hang lower, wobbling it from side to side. “Come on, Maddie. Don’t tease me.”

“Pathetic,” she chides through a burgeoning smile as she brings the bread to my mouth. “You aren’t allergic to walnuts, are you?”

Compassionate soul.

“Nope.”

“I can’t believe I’m hand-feeding a grown man like he’s a toddler. What has become of my life?” Right before she places it in my mouth, she winks at me. “Here you go, stud.”

Gently, I bring my lips together before she can pull back, intentionally grazing her fingertips with the tip of my tongue. She’s sweeter than the bread.

I hold her eye contact while I chew, hoping I don’t look as idiotic as I feel. Never attempted sexy eating before.

If the carnal look on her face is anything to go by I must be doing something right.

Her lips part, and her gaze locks on my mouth.

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