Page 611 of Hell Hath No Fury
My body jumps from the knock on the door.
“Open up, baby girl.”
Gallo’s gruff voice bellows from the other side of the thick wood. Damn it. I’ve indulged in this illusion too long and now of course he’s here to collect the reward for his generosity. That’s not happening. I shove the apparel back into the bags, hating that I’m wrinkling the gorgeous fabrics, but I can’t preventcrumpling the clothes. I’m cleaning up the mess I’ve made, refusing to accept any gifts from him.
I’m not fast enough though. A thong and pair of jeans remain on the floor when he bursts in, and I scooch away from the pile, unable to hide my fear from the fury blazing on his face.
* * *
Titan
The second she hit the floor I knew I had to get to her. The guys have never seen me run so fast as I flew up the steps after I came inside the house. Luckily, they don’t follow because the only danger is whatever is upsetting her. Which I guess is me when she doesn’t answer, and I have to bust down the door to find out why. All I want is for her to come to me, but she scoots backward breathless and wide-eyed.
Pete moves fast too, bolting to her and positioning himself between us. Rather than bare his teeth though, he whines and shifts on his paws. Always protective of her, he seems conflicted. I think he realizes I pose no threat to either of them. He can’t understand just like I don’t why she’s so fearful.
I drop to my haunches in front of them and stroke over his head, bumping into her fingers on his neck. She jerks away her hand, unwilling to let me touch her. “Calm down, Addie. I’m not going to hurt either of you.”
“That’s difficult to believe after you just broke in here.”
She’s right. What comes out of my mouth is going to be shocking for both of us since I’ve never felt the emotion before until her. “I was worried. You didn’t answer the door.”
Her eyebrows disappear under her bangs as she jerks up from slouching into Pete. “You didn’t give me a chance!”
“True, but after you wailed on my living room windows and hurt your hands, I didn’t want you melting down again.”
Trying to earn her trust, I refuse to admit I was watching her. She doesn’t need to know I have cameras everywhere. Or how much I enjoy seeing her relax when I’m not freaking her out. I motion toward her hastily packed bags, one of which has toppled over from her rush. “Those are yours. No strings attached.”
Longing fills her eyes as she glances at the pink skirt peeking out. The whole lot probably costs less than one of my suits, but she seems enthralled with them. “I know they aren’t designer or anything but–”
“They’re perfect.”
I don’t know about that. But I’m not going to argue since she’s not. They wouldn’t be good enough for most of the women I know. She’s definitely not most women, and that’s why I’m drawn to her. “I’m glad you like them. If there’s anything else you need, let me know. I’ll get it for you.”
“I’m tired. I just want to get some sleep.”
“Yeah, I’m done too.” I give Pete a few more strokes before I rise. “If I’m gone when you get up, just have Mrs. Zirkelbach make you food. She’ll cook whatever you want.”
“Why are you being so nice to me? This isn’t how most prisoners are treated.”
I grin from her ballsy question. You’d think she wouldn’t want to put my good humor or her good treatment at risk. She’s just too tough for her own good. “You’re right, but you aren’t most prisoners. I allow you to speak freely when we’re alone but if you disrespect me in front of others, I’ll dole out a punishment you won’t forget.”
Angry with me once again, she jumps to her feet. One hand curls into a fist while the other wraps around Pete’s collar. Ready to fight or haul ass. Maybe both. Fuck, her defiance is sexy. “Don’t worry, baby girl. I didn’t say you wouldn’t like it.”
The deep breath she sucks in isn’t annoyance or fear but interest. Confirming she’s attracted to me too. I’m just the only one of us being honest with myself and with her. While she stews in her denial, I shove my hand in the toppled sacks and yank out two shirts and a thong. Jesus. The thought of her in only panties makes my cock harden.
With her jade eyes blowing impossibly wide, I snap the tags from the fabric, tossing the clothes on the bed and the plastic tabs on the floor.
“What are you doing?”
Instead of the shriek I anticipate, she whispers and curls her free arm around her torso as if my gift actually hurts her. “No tags, no return. They’re yours now, Addie. Don’t bust my balls over it. Just wear the damn clothes.”
Not one to give up once I set my mind to something, I slide out each piece one by one and keep my eyes laser locked with hers. Pants, bras, dresses, pajamas, shorts, and socks until trash litters the carpet and only a few inches of the comforter peek through from the piles.
Normally impatient, I would stride off to my next meeting or call or spreadsheet. This is different. She’s worth waiting out.
“What’s your first name?”
Fair enough for her to ask. Though the question still surprises me during our stand-off. “Titan.”
