Page 218 of The Reluctant Hero

“You have the most pleasing proportions I’ve ever seen.”

Is that a compliment? Or a subtle way to say I’m not as little as he’s claiming.

“Especially this.”

He shifts his hips to press firmly against my well-cushioned butt. I can feel him starting to get an erection. My eyes widen. I want to protest, but it feels good. It brings the light feeling of desire up, my nipples peaking in reaction. I can’t remember a time that I had easy banter like this in bed. And the erection proves he likes me being here with him.

Or he’s got a great imagination.

I hate myself sometimes.

“When we get up for breakfast, can I keep my hand in your back pocket? I want to feel your ass for as long as possible.” He makes it sound so reasonable.

“Sure,” I agree without thinking. I’m stuck wondering if I can sit down before he pulls his hand away. I’d enjoy watching him squirm.

“Thank you.” He sounds way too gleeful for the words.

“Is your taste testing getting old?” I let out a weak laugh.

“Never. This is an obsession I’ve fantasized about in my lonely bed for months.”

“Tasting food like an old-time poison detector?” I stare at nothing in confusion.

“No,” he chuckles, his hips shifting away from me. I’m disappointed for a second, and then he presses against me again. He was readjusting his erection. I can feel him against my curves as if he’s branded there. I scramble for something else to think about as my panties get damp.

“We haven’t really known each other for months.”

“In the beginning, it was purely physical, no matter how much you ignored me.”

What?

“Are you talking about the class?” I ask, bewildered. He had three women all over him. I’m not falling for this. Not to mention, he recommended I move to a treadmill. None of these things lead to fantasy land. It’s making this a lot less erotic. Why did I want easy banter again?

“I know what you think I did there. I admit I made mistakes. You didn’t fall for the usual taunts for attention.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” I’m too tired to translate Jake speak, and I’m getting more irritated.

“Gathering up your pretend friends to lure you over. Being friendly when I’d rather lead them into oncoming traffic. The rest was just us trying to keep them away from men who were in committed relationships. Cade is too nice.”

I scoff at that. Too nice, my ass.

“I know, right?” He twists my mockery to his advantage, choosing to see it as an agreement.

“I’m sure the side benefits of all your hard work made it worth it.”

His arms tense around me at my mocking tone. The move is made a touch more concerning when his hand tightens over the gun. My body stiffens up in response.

Was I not supposed to bring up the fact that I’ve heard all about the monster in his pants? Although from the feel of him, he’s a normal proportion. People exaggerate. I’m relieved. The stories were nightmare fuel.

“There were nobenefits,” he says grimly. “Those rancid whores never stepped a foot near us outside that class.”

My eyes widen at the description. He’s certainly not shy about how he feels. Note to self: don’t bring this up ever again. He sounds ready to hop out of bed and hunt them down. That would be cool but kind of pointless.

“Did they claim they did?” His tone has gotten even darker, demanding an answer. The shifting of the gun in front of me helps an answer pop out.

“Yes?” I meant it to be firmer than that.

He spits out something in German that I have no hope of understanding. All I know is he’s pissed off.

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