“You might regret saying that,” she told him in an almost ominous voice.
“What do you mean by that?”
“I’m far more effort than I’m worth.”
10
Zeke wasn’t happy with her.
He’d tried to get her to talk to him after she’d made that statement about her worth, but she’d decided to ignore him. Well, as much as any breathing female could ignore Zeke Jonas. The man was sexy. Hard. Hot. Entirely too bossy and domineering. But in a way that made you want more, not in a way that turned you off.
Because it was an innate dominance. Part of who he was. It wasn’t an act. It wasn’t him trying to be a controlling bastard.
It was Zeke being Zeke. He’d lay down his life for someone he considered his. He’d protect them from any source of conflict or danger, even if that came from within.
Truthfully, she was shocked he hadn’t turned away from her a long time ago. She’d done her best to piss him off. To keep him from seeing the truth.
That she wanted him. Badly. She wanted to be wrapped up in all that safety. To have him dote on her, dominate her. To have that one night they’d spent together happen over and over. She wanted to give him all of her, to jump the cliff and let him catch her.
Only, she couldn’t. That one night was all she’d allowed herself and even that had been a stupid, idiotic move. Because it had shown her everything she was missing out on. Everything that her brothers gave their women.
And she couldn’t.
She’d told herself she could never trust someone enough to let that side of herself free. But that wasn’t it. She trusted Zeke. Knew he wouldn’t hurt her.
But she didn’t deserve him. Wasn’t worthy of him. Zeke deserved the best.
“We’re gonna talk about what you said, Eden. You can’t shut me out forever,” Zeke said in a low voice as they pulled up outside a surprisingly large lakeside cabin in the middle of nowhere. Security lights had flicked on as they approached and she saw that it was single-story with a wide wraparound porch.
They’d only stopped once on their way here, to get some food. She’d barely spoken to him as they’d moved through the store. Only answering his questions when he’d threatened to smack her bottom right there in the shop. She didn’t think he would, but she hadn’t wanted to take the chance.
“This is your friend’s cabin?”
“Yeah, he’s got some family money, I think. Impressive, huh? There’s more to see inside.”
She undid her belt. “Can you get my chair?”
“Eden, I’m not letting this go.”
“Are you going to trap me here until I talk about it or will you get my chair?” She kept her voice devoid of emotion but it was hard. She knew he wouldn’t use her inability to physically get away from him against her, though.
“There’s no ramp up. I’m gonna go unlock the door and check around first, all right? You stay loc
ked in the truck.”
She frowned slightly then nodded. Even though she thought he was exaggerating the danger she might be in, she didn’t argue.
Pick your battles, Eden.
He climbed out of the truck, shutting the door with a firm click. Then he beeped the locks. Didn’t trust her with the keys, huh? Wasn’t like she could drive his truck, since it wasn’t modified for her.
She closed her eyes, a headache thumping. She needed sleep. Desperately. But she knew it wouldn’t be coming anytime soon. Clint had taken her to several sleep specialists when her insomnia first started. In the end, she’d pretended that their help had worked in order to set his mind at ease.
But she rarely got more than an hour or two each night.
Except that night with Zeke.
Fuck. Fuck. She should never have allowed herself that.