Page 135 of Renard's Deliverance

“Yeah, that works for me.”

“Damn right that works for you,” he muttered before he entered her bedroom and threw her on the bed. She reached behind her to take off her bikini.

“Leave it on, Gem. Arms above you.”

“On?”

“Yep. I’m going to enjoy pulling it off you. With my teeth.”

“Beast,” she whispered huskily.

“Your beast.”

She really wished that he was hers.

Forever.

25

“You nervous, Gem?”

“No!” she replied. “Why would I be nervous? Been here lots.”

Hmm.

Which made him think . . . a membership wasn’t cheap. Although there was a healthy discount for residents of Haven.

“You paying month by month?” he asked as he took hold of her hand and led her toward Saxon’s. She was wearing a long coat over whatever outfit she’d put on. He hadn’t seen it yet.

“No. Tanner paid for a year’s membership for me.”

He stilled and she stopped, turning to him in surprise. “What?”

“What?” she asked, looking confused.

“Tanner is paying for your membership?”

“Um, yep. I couldn’t afford it when I first arrived in Haven.”

“I’ll pay him back.”

“Huh? Why?”

“Because I’m your guardian now, Gem.”

“I know you said that?—”

“I didn’t just say it. I meant it.”

“Okay, all right, you meant it.” She held up her hands. “But what has that got to do with my membership? It was a gift.”

“Don’t want other men buying you gifts.”

“This is my best friend’s man. He doesn’t like me like that.” She gave him an incredulous look.

“Maybe so.” He let go of her hand to fold his arms over his chest. “Still don’t like it.”

Yeah, he was probably overreacting.

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