Page 141 of Those Who Are Bound

“Pastor,” Killion said, shaking his hand, sobering. He and Lucy had been taking turns snickering at Elliott’s obvious discomfort over Jonah’s PDA. Two peas, those two; she might regret her decision.

One arm still around her, Jonah said, “I’m glad you came; I didn’t think you would. Next time, though, maybe take out your earbuds and listen?”

Elliott bit her lip as she wrinkled her nose. Maybe she should have given him a heads-up so he wouldn’t jump to the conclusion that she was here for…church. “Actually, I’m here because of Lucy.”

Jonah’s brows tugged together. He darted a look to his friend, and Elliott could see him mentally balancing his appreciation for Lucy, in accomplishing what he couldn’t, and disappointment that he wasn’t the inducement.

Lucy piped up. “The jobs program. I told her about it and told her to come. And it worked! She’s hiring Killion to work out at ESE.”

Elliott watched him process the information. He wasn’t upset that she was hiring Killion, but she could tell he was… disappointed. That she hadn’t been there for him, at his invitation, showing an interest in this part of him.

If he only knew…

His initial reaction passed quickly—or was squashed—as he congratulated Killion. Even as Lucy detailed out that it was an on-site position, his attention didn’t leave her. Those gemstones assessed, showing both possession and resignation. Possession, because that wolfish part of him didn’t like the idea of another man so close; and resignation, because the practical side of him knew that he had no right to object.

Killion interjected, “If that’s okay with you, man.”

Elliott tore her gaze from Jonah’s and frowned at her new employee. “It’s not his call.”

Killion shifted, glancing between the two; it didn’t look like he agreed.

“I have no say over Elliott’s business or her property.” When he looked at her, though, his expression screamed that his absolute authority was over her body. She mentally agreed.

Of course, it wasn’t a look a preacher should be giving her in a church. She looked around again, still aware of the attention being paid to them. She attempted to sidestep, but Jonah’s hold was firm.

Oblivious to the undercurrents, Lucy said, “I’m excited to finally boss you around.”

Killion snorted. “You do that already.”

Lucy smacked the back of his head playfully.

“Hey! Hostile work environment!” Killion declared as he ducked away from her, looking over his shoulder at her in mock disbelief.

Lucy shook her head at him. “Tomorrow, I’m your boss. Today, I’m just Lucy, and I can smack you around as much as I want.”

Elliott watched the banter and easy play; yes, she’d made the right decision. Becks would throw a fit, but Killion was a good choice. He might tease Lucy, but there was respect there; he liked her. He’d make a real go of the job for her.

A few people headed toward the stairs, waving their way. Lucy and Jonah returned the goodbyes.

“I want to introduce you to a few people before everyone heads out,” Jonah said, his focus on the departing people. To Lucy and Killion, he gave a short nod. “I’ll see you both later. Killion, congratulations.”

Turning to walk backward as he shuffled her toward the stairs, Elliott pleaded, trying to stop him, “I’m not sure I’m dressed for introductions.” She was certain of it: her shirt was practically see-through, and he was the pastor, about to parade her around. Her choice of attire had been intentional, but she hadn’t thought it through, obviously.

And it had backfired spectacularly. Jonah wasn’t fazed by the transparency; he was delighted she wore his gift.

“You look ridiculously fucking hot,” he fairly growled in a low register that had her wanting to jump on him.

“Jonah! You’re in a church!”

“That doesn’t make it any less true.” Grasping her arms, he pulled her close so they were nose to nose. “So proper, kitten.” He closed the distance, his mouth devouring hers with a most unholy kiss.

She was conflicted as to why she was experiencing the moment of ambivalence; this wasn’t her church and these weren’t her people. If anyone was being judged as Jonah held her flush against him, his tongue being more devilish than angelic, stoking hell-rivaling flames between her legs, it was her. The interloper, the strange woman—thewantonwoman—leading their darling pastor into sin.

But when he groaned, low enough for her alone to hear it, his fingers fisting on her waist, gathering in handfuls of her shirt, she let go. If he wanted to bang her on the steps behind her, her conscience was clear. Let the people get their show; she melted against him, giving in.

When he ended his kiss, he didn’t pull away; lips still hovering, he smiled. She made a teasing nip at him, which made him chuckle. He was perfectly thrilled. She wasn’t sure if it was her, the display of affection, the level of heat… or all of it.

“Are you creating a display on purpose?” she asked, raising an eyebrow.

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