Total pages in book: 165
Estimated words: 166103 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 831(@200wpm)___ 664(@250wpm)___ 554(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 166103 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 831(@200wpm)___ 664(@250wpm)___ 554(@300wpm)
And it often did.
He thought he was right all the time and was extremely bossy.
It was obvious he liked control. So did Owen, but in a different way. He was quieter. More observant. No less commanding, but not as abrasive. Or as defensive.
She got the feeling that Owen rarely cared what others thought. And that maybe Judd did too much.
Yet, they’d both tried to take care of her in their own way.
And then there was Hux . . .
Lord. What was wrong with her? She couldn’t be interested in these guys.
He drew the bottle back, then rustled around in his backpack and brought out a First-Aid kit.
“You believe in being prepared, huh?” she murmured.
Her ankle continued to throb but she pushed that pain aside. She wasn’t going to think about it.
“Of course. If you’re prepared then there will be few surprises.”
“You don’t like surprises?” she asked as he put some peroxide on her cuts. She made certain not to move even though it kind of stung.
“No.”
To her shock, he blew softly on her palms. As though he was trying to ease the sting. She had to turn her head away to stop the tears from slipping down her cheeks.
Idiot.
A small bit of kindness and you fall apart.
“Sorry, little one. I know it hurts. I’m trying to be as gentle as I can.”
“Gentle isn’t really a word I’d use to describe you,” she tried to joke as he cleaned the other hand then blew on it.
“I don’t think I dare ask what words you would use,” he said back.
She surprised herself by grinning. She didn’t think he had it in him to joke around.
“Okay, let’s get these bandaged,” he said abruptly. And the moment was gone. Brisk, bossy Judd was back in charge.
Disappointment filled her. But she wasn’t sure why she cared so much. It wasn’t like she was interested in him. Or his friends.
Liar.
“It’s really not necessary,” she said, trying to draw her hands away. “They’re fine now.”
He scowled. “They’re not fine. Leave them there so I can bandage them up.”
“No.”
He let out a low rumbling noise. “Do as you’re told.”
“Or what?”
Yep, she was definitely losing her mind.
“Or I’ll take you over my knee and spank your ass until you can’t sit comfortably.”
Whoa.
Okay. She was not expecting that.
This is your fault. You prodded the beast.
“Fuck. I shouldn’t have said that.” Suddenly, he jumped up and walked away.
Shoot.
You idiot, Chloe.
What was wrong with her?
Maybe she was pushing him away because those glimpses of a caring Judd were far more dangerous to her mental health than Grumpzilla was.
She owed him an apology. She climbed onto her feet and put the bottle of water back into his backpack. Then she moved slowly toward him, partly because her ankle was protesting, and partly because she didn’t know what to say.
“I’m sorry, Judd.” It was simple, but she hoped he knew she was sincere.
He turned so fast that she stumbled backward and would have fallen on her butt if he hadn’t grabbed her, tugging her toward him.
Her breath caught as she stared up at him. Her breasts were pressed against his chest and her heart raced. She licked her lips and he watched her hungrily.
Was he going to kiss her?
Did she want that?
Then he moved back. And when she dared look at him, his face was devoid of all emotion.
“Why would you apologize?” he asked.
What? Why?
She couldn’t . . . her mind could figure out his question. Why was she apologizing?
“I’m the one who was unprofessional,” he said stiffly. “If you wish to report me to the Princes, you are within your rights.”
Oh. Okay.
The spanking thing.
Weirdly, she wasn’t worried about that. She didn’t know why. It was unprofessional. But in that moment, she hadn’t seen herself as his job.
However, looking after her was just a job. And she would do well to remember that.
“Let’s just forget it was ever said, shall we?” she murmured.
He nodded. “That is good of you.”
It wasn’t, though. She’d pushed until he’d snapped. It was her fault.
“I think I want to head back.”
Walking wasn’t going to be much fun.
“Your knees still need tending.”
“They don’t hurt,” she lied. “I’m sure they’re good.”
“I’ll send for the ATV.”
“I’ll be okay walking.” She wouldn’t be. She didn’t know how she would make it. And she was worried that if she pushed too much that she would injure herself further.
Judd just eyed her for a long moment. “I have other things to do. I need to get back.”
“Oh, r-right. Of course. Then p-please, go ahead.” She closed her eyes as he turned away. He was turning her into a stammering idiot.
It was better that they got back quickly so she had a chance of showering and hiding her injuries before Jonathan woke up.
It wasn’t long until the ATV rocked up to where they were and Hux was grinning at them. He waved enthusiastically, jumping off.