Page 33 of Bone's Destiny

“Well, there aren’t many homes like this in North Dakota. It’s gorgeous from what I can tell.” There were massive windows, but it was pitch black out, so I couldn’t see the outside.

“No, guess not.” He glanced at me like he was going to say something.

“What?”

“Nothing.” He placed his hand on my lower back and directed me to the right side at the top of the stairs.

“This place is amazing.”

He grunted and unlocked a door with a key. “Go on in.”

“You’re not going to lock me in another cell, are you?” I asked with amusement in my voice.

“Maybe if you keep getting smart with me,” he replied harshly.

I turned toward him, taken aback. “I was teasing.”

“Just go in.”

Touchy grump. I entered the room and couldn’t believe my eyes. “Holy shit! Is this your bedroom?” My gaze scanned the enormous space. There was a stone fireplace, a huge flatscreen on the wall, and a pristinely made king-sized bed with white linens. Under my feet was a bear-skinned rug. Could it be real?

He grunted and bolted the door.

“Hey, now.” I whirled around and pushed out my hands in front of me. “I know what I did earlier, but that was on my terms. I didn’t agree to—”

“Christ, woman. Will you stop talking? I’m not going to touch you.” He went through another door, and lights flicked on. “Are you coming?”

“Mhm.” I paused at the threshold of… a luxurious bathroom.

“You can use whatever you find in here. There are extra toothbrushes in one of those drawers. Towels on the shelf, a blow dryer on the wall.” He waved his hand around, flippantly pointing out stuff. Clearly, he was annoyed with me again.

“Blow dryer?”

“It was here when I bought the place,” he snapped. “You have fifteen minutes. If you’re not out, I will come to get you. And don’t lock the door or try to climb out the window. Attempting either will result in your death.” He went to leave and froze at my words.

“I’ll be good, Mr. Sexy Grump.”

“Smartass.” He shut the door behind him.

I covered my mouth to keep from squealing as I took in the spa-like bathroom. I’d only ever seen something so perfect and beautiful in pictures.

“I don’t hear the water running! The clock is ticking,” he shouted.

I rushed to the walk-in shower and turned the nobs. Water rained down from the ceiling, almost catching me, but I jumped out of the way just in time.

At Mach speed, I stripped out of my filthy clothes and tossed them into a pile. They needed to be torched. The shirt and skirt weren’t something I would’ve picked out or worn on a typical day. Slutty was a look Roland liked.

I tiptoed under the showerhead, hissing as the hot water stung my delicate skin. But my oh my, did it feel incredibly soothing. I adjusted the temperature and took a minute to relish the peace and quiet I had, then I kicked it into gear to wash my hair and body.

I didn’t want the biker to get any ideas or give him a reason to burst into the room. I lathered my hair with the only bottle on the shelf.

Shaking my head, I read the label: three-in-one. Typical man. No time to use different products.

“Mmm.” I sniffed my palm. It smelled like Mr. Sexy Grump. Maybe the stuff he used wasn’t so bad, but I preferred my shampoo, conditioner, and body wash in their individual bottles.

Don’t get distracted. Hurry.

And I did.

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