Page 51 of Bryce

“Please.”

He chuckled andnipped at the lobe, making her jump. “I thought you weretired.”

“Not anymore.”She was blowing on his chest and sending heat straight to the core ofhim.

“You’restarting something I am going to have to finish.”

“Is that so.”She moved to his nipple and used her tongue.

“Ohsweetheart.” His breath whooshed out as he shoved her back onthe pillows. “I warned you.”

“You did.”A moan escaped her as he slid into her, eyes darkened. “I chosenot to listen.”

Chapter 13

The damage was morethan she had anticipated, and he saw the anxious look on her facebefore she hid it behind a smile. The sun had made its appearance thenext morning, but it was still a cold and chilly day, forcing them tolayer up and put on boots. She had taken one look at his expensivetan leather and shaken her head.

“That’sgoing to be ruined.’

“It can bereplaced,” he responded with the carelessness of the verywealthy.

“Suit yourself.You can also stay inside; you don’t have to come out with me.”

He had simply givenher a look that had her shrugging.

Now they wereoutdoors staring at the uprooted trees and branches everywhere. Herprized roses were lying on the sodden ground like beaten downrainbows. The gazebo had a large gap in the middle of the roof andpart of the picket fence that was more ornamental than anything elsewas leaning drunkenly to one side.

“It’s nottoo bad.”

He turned to look ather askance. “It’s a disaster.”

“You’relooking at the cup half empty.” She moved away from him to pickup a statue of a mother and child she had bought on a visit to anantique store. It was broken off at the base.

“It can berepaired.”

Hunkering down, hewrapped an arm around her shoulders. “I can help.” He wascareful with his words, knowing instinctively that any mention offinancial assistance would not be welcome.

He could make her themost beautiful inn in the world, but he had to be careful. Theirrelationship was tenuous at best, and he wanted to stick. He hadevery intention of sticking.

“I am sure youhave better things to do than help with the repairs,” she roseand he stood up, arm still around her shoulders.

“Not at themoment. Do you have someone you can call for an estimate?”

She nodded and, tohis delighted surprise, leaned into him. He wrapped his arms aroundher more securely, kissing the top of her head.

“I have toclose for the rest of the week.”

“Naturally.”He hesitated and turned her to face him. “How will that affectyou financially?”

Her eyes narrowed athim. “If the next words that comes out of your mouth isoffering me money, I am going to deck you.”

“Would that beso bad?” He asked her gently.

“What? Deckingyou? Not really.”

“Zahra.”Lifting a hand, he cupped her cheek. “I have loads of it.”

“And it’syours.” Her eyes flashed. “I have insurance and if that’snot enough, I have savings. I don’t need or want your money.”

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