Page 114 of Renard's Deliverance

“Yes, sure, I’m fine.” She startled out of her introspection to find that they’d reached her house. Shoot. She couldn’t even remember the drive here. “Why do you ask?”

He raised an eyebrow. “Maybe because you’ve been sitting there for five minutes, staring at nothing.”

Oh. Oops.

“Well, there’s no time for sitting. We’ve gotta get to work.” She unbuckled before reaching over for the door handle.

Renard shot out his hand, placing it over hers. “I know you weren’t about to open your own door, baby. And how I know that is because I’ve told you before that you aren’t to open your own door.”

Right.

She did know that. She knew the rules.

It was just that right now she didn’t necessarily feel like sticking to them.

But she chickened out of opening the door and, instead, put her hand back on her lap.

“That’s my girl.”

They’d spent time together every day. Every morning, he’d turn up at the shop with coffee for her. And last night, he’d picked her up to take her to Dirty Delights for her set before taking her home and spending the night.

In her bed.

Without touching her.

The man was everything she’d ever dreamed of.

Except for the fact he hadn’t fucked her or spanked her.

Sure, he’d been giving her back time to heal. But, honest to God, it was fine. And a girl had needs.

Thank God for her trusty vibrator. Which she probably needed to buy batteries for soon. Wouldn’t do to run out at an inopportune time.

“Opal?”

Shit. She turned her head to find him standing in the open door, frowning at her.

“Sorry!”

“What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I’m fine.”

She hadn’t actually meant to use that word . . . the banned one. But after she did, it felt right.

He narrowed his gaze. “You did not just use that word.”

Opal grinned. “Sorry, Daddy.”

He crossed his arms over his chest, scowling at her. Although she felt sure she saw some heat in his gaze.

“Inside, now.” He lifted her down and turned her toward the house, smacking her ass.

Yes! Finally.

“But don’t you need some help carrying the stuff in? I can carry something.”

“Gem, even if I have to make five trips, you will not be carrying a thing. Get me?”

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