But she could cope with Renard. What she wasn’t sure she could cope with was her attraction to Saxon. She’d thought if she kept her distance, she’d get over it. But it seemed that wasn’t possible. Especially after the other night when he’d helped her with Caleb then spent the day with them afterwards. Her interest in him had gone way beyond just thinking he was hot. She didn’t just want his body. She wanted more.
Idiot. He made it clear he’s not looking for more.
And he hadn’t even mentioned the night at the club she’d agreed to as payment.
That was disappointing.
Jesus. She really needed to get her head together. Concentrate on the boys and her job. She peered around the tree at him. She couldn’t believe she was watching him. Like some Peeping Tom. It was so wrong. Yet, she couldn’t stop. She was here night after night, watching him like a sad, lovesick teenager. She really needed to stop. She was supposed to be putting some distance between them.
Yeah, good job, Aspen.
Saxon smiled as saw Aspen peek out at him. He knew she’d be horrified to know he was aware that she was there. But there wasn’t much he missed, especially when it came to her.
She was trying her
best to avoid him. That was pretty obvious. The sprite was good at hiding her thoughts, but he saw more than most. Be interesting to get her into a space where she wasn’t capable of holding back, of thinking about anything beyond him. And the pleasure and pain he intended to dish out in equal measures.
His cock thickened. Fuck. Had he ever been this interested in an inexperienced subbie before? In any woman?
Maybe it was her innocence that attracted him. That naivety paired with more courage than someone that small should have. Many people in her situation would have fallen into despair. Would have spent their time blaming everyone else. Not that she didn’t have that right when it came to her shitty mother. Instead, Aspen had picked herself up and moved on with life the best she could. She wasn’t used to relying on anyone else. Or trusting them. That was going to be the tricky part.
Was it fair to go after her when he had no intention of keeping her?
You care nothing about ruining other people’s lives.
He pushed that thought from his mind. His half-brother wasn’t part of his life anymore.
He’d made certain Aspen knew he wasn’t looking for a relationship. He wasn’t taking advantage. He’d never do anything she didn’t want or agree to. And he could show her what she needed.
He knew a thing or two about reeling in prey, even cautious little sprites with big eyes, large hearts, and no idea of their own appeal. But perhaps it wasn’t wise to wait too long. Maybe it was time for a bit of a push. He grinned at the thought.
“Aspen come here.”
She jolted. He couldn’t possibly know she was there, right? She was hidden behind a large tree. She was perfectly safe. But she started to back away, just in case.
“Sprite, if I have to come and get you, I’m not going to be happy. And neither will you.”
Her stomach dropped. Damn him. She found herself stepping forward, moving around the tree to the glass fence surrounding the pool.
Saxon hadn’t even moved. Had arrogantly assumed she’d do as he’d ordered. And she had. What was it about him that made her want to please him? To see that smile on his face? To know that she’d helped him?
You’re a sap, Aspen.
Yeah, apparently, she was a sucker for a drop-dead gorgeous guy with a mouth-watering body and an ego the size of Texas.
And just maybe a heart to match. Because even though he liked to tell her he wasn’t a good guy, she didn’t really believe him.
“How did you know I was there?”
He frowned as he stared up at her. “Come closer.”
“I need to get back to the guesthouse. The boys might wake up.”
“Isn’t that the baby monitor in your hand?”
“Well, yes . . .” Shit. There went that excuse.
He slid around in the pool, resting his muscular forearms on the side. “Aspen, I know you’ve been watching me these last few nights while I’m swimming. Do you like voyeurism?”