Page 19 of Tiago

“Yes.We’ve noticed.Nothing in this monstrosity is very up to date.The mansion was built in 1910, so the bathrooms and kitchen have gone through several renovations, but a lot of the furniture is very old.I replaced the mattress in here the day after I arrived.”I shuffle over to the bed and press my fingers to the firm surface.

“The hardwood looks nice.It just needs refinishing.”

“Yes.It’s on the list.But the list is long.Claire has agreed to help Ryder arrange to have things done around here.She’s reluctantly become the woman of the manor.”

Reagan cringes.“That’s a daunting job.”

I shrug.“It wouldn’t be as daunting if you helped her.”

She spins to look at me again.“Me?”

When I approach her, she backs away and holds up her hands, making me chuckle.

“Don’t touch me.My brain scrambles when you touch me.You’ll somehow manage to get me to agree to marry you and move into the estate tomorrow.”

“That’s my plan.”

She keeps retreating until she hits the wall.“Tiago… Stop joking around.”

“I’m not joking, baby.”I reach her and set my palms on either side of her head on the wall, not touching her but only giving her a few inches of space.“We have a connection.You feel it, too.”

“Yeah, but it’s too fast.I need time to process everything.”

“I’ll give you time.”

She rolls her eyes.“A week?”

“I was thinking more like two or three days, but I can be reasonable if you need four or five.”I’m teasing.But only sort of.

Chapter8

Reagan

He’s surrounding me.It’s so hard to think when Tiago gets so close to me, and yet, I also like it when he does just that.I like how it feels when he holds me, even when it’s because I’m over his shoulder or pressed against the wall.

His kisses are powerful.When he kissed me earlier, I melted.I want to feel like that again.I want to know if this is real.Who meets a man and falls in love with him this fast?

I’ve heard of people saying they knew they were perfect for each other instantly, but I never fully believed it, and I certainly never expected to experience it.

My heart rate is elevated as I stare at his mouth.

Suddenly, he shoves off the wall.“You explore.I’m going to shower.”He gives me a quick kiss and turns to head for the bathroom.He pauses at the door.“Stay in this room, baby.You could seriously get lost in this mansion and die of starvation trying to find your way to the kitchen.”

I laugh.He’s exaggerating.“Okay.”Under his joke was the command, and I’m left thinking about how he orders me to do things as he shuts the bathroom door.Stay in this room, baby.He’s so bossy.

Part of me considers leaving the room just to get under his skin.Then I remember his threat to spank me and get hot and bothered all over again.Does Ryder really spank Claire?I bet he does.I suspect Tiago intends to do the same.They must have a dominant caveman gene.

When the water turns on in the shower, I wander closer to the door.Tiago is naked just a few feet from me.I’d kind of like to see his body.He’s so incredibly fit.I’d like to watch him shower.I’m not that bold or daring, but I wish I were.What would he do if I opened the bathroom door and stepped inside?

I don’t realize I haven’t done anything but stand here staring at the door until it quickly opens, making me flinch and take a step back.I’m embarrassed, and my face heats.

Tiago stands in the doorway, wearing nothing but a towel low on his hips.He grabs the doorframe with both hands, making himself seem larger than he is.His long, thick hair is wet, the curls dripping over his shoulders and down his chest.I want to run my hands through it.

“Have you been standing there the entire time I was in the shower, baby?”

I draw in a breath and nod.

“Come here,” he orders softly.

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