Page 63 of Savage Deal

I didn’t wait for him to respond. I turned and bolted out of the stables, running until I got to the oak tree. Jude was headed in the direction of the stables when he spotted me. I was glad he hadn’t found Josh tormenting me. I didn’t want any problems between Jude and Cassie. If Jude went after Josh because of me, Cassie would take Josh’s side, and Jude could lose his daughter.

I knew what it was like not to have a relationship with my own father. I didn’t want that for Cassie.

“There you are.” He came toward me, looking sexier than ever in his tight, black jeans and matching leather jacket. “Breakfast is ready.”

“I left this in the stables.” I showed him my sketch pad.

“You and those horses.” He draped his arm over my shoulder as we walked back to the house. “Maybe after breakfast you can show me what you’re working on?”

“I have one of Jude’s Girl I’ve been playing with that I think you’ll like.” I hadn’t shown him any of the ones I had done of him. I didn’t want him to think I was obsessed with him. “Were you coming to look for me?”

“Yes, Anthony told me you were in the stables with Josh.”

“Oh.”

“Is everything okay?” He stopped walking when we approached the porch. “Do I need to talk to him?”

“I handled him.”

“What does that mean?”

“He wasn’t being nice to Anthony.” I shrugged. “I don’t know what Cassie sees in him.”

“Neither do I, but if he’s like any of her other infatuation she’s going to get rid of him soon. The less I interfere the better, unless he’s bothering you.”

“I’m fine.” Once Cassie came to her senses, Jude could fire Josh, and I wouldn’t have to worry about him.

“That isn’t what I asked, little girl.”

“Josh is a nuisance, but you’re right, Cassie will get bored all on her own. You don’t have to do anything to put a strain on your relationship with her. Can you smell the French toast?”

“I can.”

“Let’s go eat.”

“Wait.” He reached for my hand.

“What is it?”

“There’s something I want first.” He took my face between his hands. “Kiss me.”

“You kiss me.” I bit my bottom lip. “You’re better at it.”

“Are you telling me what to do?”

“You said you liked it when I was bolder.” I licked my lips. “Kiss me.”

He smashed his mouth against mine, holding my face tight and taking possession of me. I threw my arms around his neck and kissed him back, massaging my tongue along his. When he let go of me, I released the air from my lungs. His green eyes pierced through me, staring right into my soul. Could he see how much I had fallen for him? How much I need him?

“You leave me breathless,” I said.

“It’s a gift.” He winked before bending down and picking up my sketch pad. “You dropped this.”

“Oh. I didn’t even realize it.” My lips still stung from his assault, but I craved more. Being the object of his desire made me feel important. Wanted. Needed.

When he put his arm around me and led me across the patio, a sense of security came over me. One I had never experienced before. His presence shielded me from danger, and for the first time in my life, I wasn’t worried about something bad happening to me.

As he opened the doors to the kitchen, the breeze picked up, causing the wind chimes to violently swing. The leaves on the trees swirled around the air, and beyond the oak tree Josh watched as we entered the house.

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