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)
“But I’m your monster. And I’ll take care of all your demons.”
She closed her eyes for a long moment. It was so easy to believe him. To be around him. She didn’t have to be constantly on guard. “I’m so tired, Owen.”
It was the most honest she’d been with anyone in years before she’d come here.
“It . . . keeping everything locked down is so draining. I don’t know if I can do it anymore.”
“Then don’t.”
“Not that simple.” She felt so close to giving up. Even if she wasn’t quite sure what that meant.
“It can be. Stop putting up walls when you’re around us. Let us in. We won’t let you regret it.”
She was certain she would. But she just couldn’t do it any longer. This was something she wanted so badly that she was willing to risk it all just for a taste.
Seemed she liked living on the edge. Who knew?
“Sit up,” he ordered. “I don’t like to repeat myself.”
Lord. He was so arrogant. So used to getting his own way.
And for some reason, she thought that was hot as hell.
But she found herself sitting up. He moved in behind her on the bed and started massaging her head.
Oh. Now she was going to forgive him for every arrogant demand. Because this was bliss. She didn’t know when her body had started trusting him. But she just seemed to know he wouldn’t harm her.
She sighed.
“Better, baby girl?”
“Yes, thank you. So good.”
“You have a headache.”
“Yes.”
“Have you eaten dinner?” he asked.
“I’m not hungry.”
“Some bodyguards. They’re not even making sure you’re fed.”
“I don’t think that’s in their pay grade,” she said dryly. “Did you bring me that food the other night?”
“No. Someone brought you food?”
“Ahh, yeah, it was on the table in the other room. I didn’t see it until the next morning.”
“Probably Judd.”
Really? Of all of them, she hadn’t thought it would be Judd.
He moved his hands to her shoulders. Oh wow. Bliss. Her body started to grow more relaxed.
“You were having a nightmare when I snuck in,” he said quietly.
She tensed.
“Don’t stiffen up. I understand nightmares.”
“You have nightmares?” she asked, surprised.
“Nope. I am the nightmare, baby.”
She giggled at his ridiculous words.
“And you shouldn’t have nightmares either. Because you should know you’re safe. I’m always going to watch over you, baby girl.”
But he wouldn’t always be there, would he?
“You’re tensing up again. I have an idea of what to do to help.”
“What?” she asked suspiciously. Knowing him it could range from sweet to insane.
Also . . . she might want some of that insanity. Especially if he moved his hands lower and worked some magic down there.
Lord, when was the last time she’d had an orgasm?
“You need a bath.”
“Oh my God!” she wailed.
“What? What is it?” He stood up quickly, moving to the door to peer out. “What’s wrong? Did you hear something?”
“I stink!”
“You . . . stink?”
She sniffed at herself. How had she not smelled herself before? She was still wearing her clothes from earlier. Of course she stank. Ew and her sheets were probably dirty.
It was a wonder he could bear to touch her.
Wait. What did she look like? She tried to smooth down her hair.
“I need a shower. Some fresh clothes. Do my hair. Make-up. This is terrible.”
“Stop.” He was back in front of her, his hands landing on her shoulders to prevent her from getting up.
“I need to go get cleaned up.”
“Baby girl, you do not stink. And you don’t need to do your hair or make-up. I don’t care about any of that shit.”
“But . . . I must look a fright.”
He grasped hold of her chin. “You always look beautiful to me.”
Whoa. He was good at this.
She closed her eyes for a long moment. “I know I don’t, but thank you for saying so.”
“One thing you need to learn right now,” he growled.
“What?” she whispered.
“I never lie. And to suggest that I would is going to get you in hot water.”
“I’m already up to thirty.”
“I’m going to have to start adding different punishments or you’re not going to sit for a week by the time we get to your spanking.”
Yikes.
“So if I don’t smell then why did you say I need a bath?”
“To relax. I’ll run you one.”
“I don’t know if I have the energy for a bath. I’ll probably fall asleep.”
“I could get in with you. Or we could have a shower. I’ll wash you . . . every single inch.”
“Really?” she asked breathlessly. She had to admit, she liked the idea of that.
“Yep, and if you’re a good girl, I might just finger you until you have that orgasm you’re practically begging me for.”
21
Chloe was staring at him in shock.
But she wasn’t saying no.
Owen drew back the covers. She was still dressed in what she’d been wearing earlier. Why hadn’t she gotten changed? Had she been too tired? Overwhelmed?