Page 26 of Fierce Protector

“If that case in there is just toiletries, you’re going to need to get a team in here to remodel my bathroom.”

I shrug. “You seem to like a man who takes care of himself.”

She blushes, crossing to the dresser and sprayingsomething on her hair before brushing it. It’s too long for her to reach the ends, so she drags it over her shoulder. I move to stand behind her and point at the chair. “Sit down. Let me.”

“You don’t have to, I’ve got it.” Her brow furrows, and I hate that she’s resistant to even the smallest gesture of care. I love how strong and independent she is, but behind closed doors, I’d love for her to feel safe enough to allow those who love her to look after her. It’s not just me. She’s the same with her family. Never asks her dad or brother for help, yet she’ll drop everything to be there for anyone who needs her.

I don’t move, my hand still pointing at the seat. We’re in a standoff of stubbornness.

Eventually, she rolls her eyes and concedes defeat, handing over the brush before sitting down and folding her arms across her chest with a huff.

“If I’m not allowed to have an alpha male tantrum, I really don’t think it’s fair for you to act like a stroppy teenager?”

She glares at me in the reflection of the mirror, her open mouth poised to tear me a new one, but instead, I reach my free hand up the nape of her neck, squeezing firmly before pulling her back into my chest.

“Sit still, keep quiet, and let me brush your hair.” The timbre of my voice slips into an octave I’m not sure I’ve ever reached before. It’s deep and commanding and I smile when she unfolds her arms and drops her hands in her lap. I can see any desire to argue with me seep out of her when I squeeze tighter and her eyes close involuntarily.

I release my grip and start alternating between the soft bristled brush and raking my fingers through the rich strands. Now it’s damp, the colour has phased from the familiar rich mahogany to closer to molten chocolate, laced with filaments of deep copper.

When I’m quite sure I’ve unfurled every tangle, I reach for the hairdryer neatly stored in a cradle under the desk.

“You don’t need?—”

I sweep my free hand across her shoulders and under her hair, rotating my wrist, wrapping her tresses around my arm like a twist of rope, then gently tugging. “I said, sit still, and keep quiet.”

Releasing her, I fluff out her hair and turn on the hairdryer. I have no goddamn idea what I’m doing, but from the contented look on her face, I’m not sure Katerina cares. I take my time and make sure every strand is dry before switching it off, and returning the dryer to its cradle.

Her reflection shows how flushed her skin is, like she’s embarrassed by this level of intimacy. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her look so bashful.

“Anything else I can do for you?” My voice betrays me. I loved being able to give her the attention she deserves.

“As much as I enjoy your hands on me, I think I draw the line at you doing my skincare routine,” she says with a giggle.

“In that case, I’ll unpack some stuff and then head downstairs and start on dinner.” Her eyebrows end up somewhere near her hairline.

“You’re going to cook for me?”

“What did you think the bags in the kitchen were for? I can’t survive on cereal and bagels, woman.”

“Breakfast for dinner is a valid meal choice.”

“Not while I’m staying here,” I reply, my voice stern but laced with a light-heartedness I haven’t indulged in for years.

“All you have to do is add a ‘young lady’ and you’d sound like my father.”

For the first time in years, the mention of her father doesn’t make me flinch. I know we’ll have a tough time explaining what this is between us when the time comes, but I don’t see her as my best friend’s daughter. I see her as a strong, confident woman who deserves a man brave enough to love her the way she needs.

“Such a brat,micetta.”

I’m gifted with a playful eye roll that somehow makes my pulse thrum, pulling a broad smile at the ease of domesticity that flows between us. I head to the bathroom and leave her to her lotions and potions so that I can find a place for some of my things.

While there’s a part of me that misses the comfort of my own home, I’m happy that she feels comfortable enough having me stay with her. Although, I do see her point as I start to unpack my bag. I’ve brought a lot with me for a man she only slept with for the first time yesterday.

Shit, has it only been a day?It feels like so much longer, especially when I’ve wanted her for what feelslike an eternity.

The bathroom is smaller than mine, but I smile when I note that her tub is large enough for both of us. The shower would be a bit of a tight squeeze, but we can probably make it work. She’s decorated with rich green tiles and jade-coloured walls. It’s serene and relaxing, although every time I turn around I’m bumping into an overgrown plant that’s trying to escape its pot. Honestly, I didn’t have her pegged as a plant person.

When I’ve found space for everything, I head back to her room. “What’s with the rainforest in there?”

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