Page 22 of Garnish with a Candy Cane
Duke:Let the guys have fun but keep an eye on the new waitress. Andrea is sending over one of ours.
Fields:No problem there. They’re enjoying the party on you. I’ll make sure the girl is safe too.
Power and money make his request possible, yet I recognize he doesn’t have to do this. He could ignore everything and kidnap me away without me being able to stop him. Instead, he does everything I ask to make sure I’m satisfied. Regardless of how much he appears otherwise, he’s a good man, at least to women. Even taking the extra precautions to keep his staff from harm.
For me. So I can be here with him. Protected by him. Loved by him.
No wonder I’m falling for him so quickly. He’s done more for me in less than twenty-four hours than some men ever do in a lifetime of relationships. “Where are you taking me?”
“Home.”
Without a doubt, he means his mansion rather than my apartment. I don’t argue because – probably stupidly – I don’t mind. I want to go to his house. I want to be with him. I want to see what’s next between us.
Nexthappens sooner than I expect when he shifts to face me. One large arm lays on the headrest behind me while his other curls across my body. His hand slides under my chin, turning my head and forcing me to face him. Which isn’t a hardship as handsome as he is to study his expression and try to figure out what he’s thinking.
“You’re not going back. I’ll allow you to finish at the bakery and office building. But that’s it and nothing after that. You know I will provide you with everything you’ll ever need.”
Okay, so now I know exactly what he’s thinking. But what am I thinking? I should be furious at him for having the gall to believe he can give me permission to work. He has no right to control me this way. On the other end of the spectrum, he’s also generous and protective and sweet in his own weird gangster boss way. Which I guess is the only way he knows. Dominate and manipulate. To keep himself strong, powerful, and alive.
So, I’ll concede. A little. “Thank you for making the arrangements to have people fill in for me. Sounds like it helps them as much as it does us.”
He softens. A little. “Yeah, stupid assholes need to keep it in their pants or man up to their responsibilities.”
His ire surprises and pleases me. Also, his motivation explains more about him too. He doesn’t want me to end up like the women trying to do it on their own everyday as well as at Christmas. He’ll never allow that to happen to me and my grandmother. “How about a compromise?”
“No.”
This man has got to be the most stubborn person I’ve ever met. I ignore his quick decision and explain my reasoning. “I’ll give up the cleaning but I really like the bakery. I’ve gotten pretty good at decorating cakes and want to keep doing it. Even if it’s only part time. It’s fun for me.”
I can tell he’s listening and considering my proposal when his grip on my jaw releases and he strokes across my clavicle and down my arm. I’m not sure if he’s purposely trying to distract me or not, but I refuse to give in to my naughty thoughts and focus on our conversation. On my independence. On our relationship. “I’ll be in the back of the shop – just baking and decorating. Cedric can even stay and watch over me if you want.”
A deep chuckle vibrates between us. “Oh, if Iwant.”
Sarcasm. He’s being sarcastic, which I ignore too. He’s used to having everything his way. But if this Duke really wants a Duchess by his side, she deserves a voice with her crown. “Yes, or whatever security measures you deem necessary so that I can keep helping Jana. I’m not giving this up.”
The smug grin on his face is annoying as it is sexy. Dang him! I hold my ground as he laughs again and rubs over my palm with his rugged fingertips. “No nights or weekends and you’re always in my bed when I wake up in the morning because I need to start and end the day fucking you.”
Tingles from his caresses ignite into bombs from his filthy words. I may have close to zero experience in that area but I want to be fucked just by the way he says the word with his deep voice so thick and gravelly and accented. “I want that too.”
I guess he means now because in a blur he releases my seatbelt, and I’m straddling his lap. Huge hands yank up the hem of shirt and glide around my torso, holding me immobile.
“Say it again Noelle.”
Desire smolders in his eyes as well as his touch, and I involuntarily shudder from the intensity. Need steals my voice, and I can only whisper, knowing there is no turning back. Knowing that I’m giving myself to him. Knowing that I’m admitting I love him. “I want you to fuck me Duke.”
Instead of his mouth crashing into mine or his fingers ripping off my clothes, he massages my shoulders to loosen the muscles hunched up from the gravity of my admission.
“You deserve to be made love to.”
All of the emotions from our short time together swirl into my throat, and I tremble as tears spring into my eyes. I rarely cry but he and his tenderness are more than I can bear. Slowly I wrap my arms around his neck and snuggle into his broad chest, feeling his heartbeat pound against mine. I feel loved and safe and happy. Just like he wants.
“After that, then I’ll fuck you.”
Now I’m the one to laugh from his follow-up assertion. He always has to have the last word and what wonderful words they are. We ride in silence and when we pull into his long driveway, I hide my face from his men as I climb off his lap and accept his hand as I step onto the pavers. Blubbery is not the way I want to be seen. Tomorrow I’ll be the woman Duke deserves on his arm and by his side. Although despite my emotional upheaval, he still treats me like his Duchess, holding me close with absolute pleasure tempering his features. Beyond my own giddiness, I can’t help but smile too from him being just as content.
Bashful and blushing, she attempts to be as discreet as possible around my guys. Not letting them witness her tears or her desire, she keeps her head down and her body tucked against mine. Which is fucking perfect to have her close. Besides, I don’t give a damn what they see or think. They’re paid to protect us, not judge or question me. Yet, I understand why she’s so modest, and wrap her inside my jacket to provide her with the privacy she needs – now and when we’re in my bed.
Tomorrow I’ll give her the complete tour of the house since she’s only seen part of the first floor. Tonight, I want to show her a decadence she’s never experienced. Indulge her with every luxury I can offer. Treat her with all of the extravagance she deserves.
