Page 52 of Mine to Protect

“You don’t get to dictate what I do.” She dropped the sheets and stood.

He groaned as she watched her pad across the room, gloriously naked, and snag his robe off the back of the bedroom door hook. “This didn’t come from me, but your brother doesn’t want you there.”

She spun on her heels. “I don’t give a shit.”

“I do.” He inhaled deeply and pushed himself to his feet. He strolled across the room and put his hands on her hips. “I don’t know why Chris wants this meeting. I didn’t talk to him. But I know Jackie’s uncle and her father are both there, as well as her mother.”

“Wait, what?”

“I know,” Rhett said. “There’s more. My mom has the man who broke into your brother’s hotel room and planted the counterfeit money in custody.” He pressed his finger over her lips when she opened her mouth. “Because it’s police business, I can’t tell you everything. You can ask my mom about it; she might tell you more. But I don’t want to leave you here alone while I go have a chat with Chris, so my mom’s going to take you to her place.”

“I don’t need a babysitter.”

“Listen. I told you I wouldn’t lie to you, and I won’t.” He raked his fingers through his hair. “While this isn’t connected like we thought, the mob is involved, and while I do have a state-of-the-art security system, I’d feel a lot better if you were with someone in my family.”

“But your mother? Isn’t that going to be awkward?”

He chuckled. “I’m not even going to try to downplay that one. But the more embarrassing stories she tells you about me, the more you know she likes you.”

“And if all she does is give me the third degree?”

“Another sign she likes you.” He took her mouth in a quick kiss. “Don’t worry about my mom. She and I are working together to help your brother and Jackie. You’ve got to trust me on this.”

She dropped her head to the center of his chest. “I do. But I feel like I have no control over anything.”

“I know that’s hard for you; however, this is what I do, and I’m damn good at my job.” He cupped her face, tilting her head back. “I promise to protect you and your family. I’ll text you as soon as I know anything.”

“Thank you.”

“I care so much for you,” he whispered, his eyes burning. “I can’t imagine life without you in it anymore.”

“You really are laying it on thick now.” Her dark lashes blinked over her big, blue eyes.

“I’ve turned into a sap in my old age.”

She smiled. “I kind of like it.”

“Good.” He reached around and grabbed her ass. “We’d better go shower. My mother has a horrible habit of being early.”

“You plan on taking one with me? When your mom is on her way?”

“I’m simply using our time wisely.” He untied the robe and tugged, letting it fall to the floor. He lifted her into his arms and carried her into the bathroom.

“I have to take back my statement that you changed. You’re still a horndog.”

“That might never change,” he said. “Not with you around.” He set her on her feet, reached around into the shower, and turned on the hot water before dropping his jeans. “My God, you’re gorgeous.”

The water drenched their bodies. Her wet hair clung to her skin. He lifted her off the floor and pressed himself between her legs.

She arched, grinding hard against him as she nibbled on his earlobe, her hot breath driving him crazy.

There was nothing slow and tender about their lovemaking.

It was hot.

And hard.

He pressed her back against the wall, bracing himself, careful not to slip. He had no control.

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