She turned to look at him. He knew that he had to sound over-the-top. But after what had happened tonight, he was feeling extra protective over her.
“No arguments,” he added sternly when she didn’t say anything.
“That sounds good.”
That surprised him. But she was exhausted. She probably didn’t have the energy to argue. Or maybe she needed him to take over right now.
“You sound exhausted, baby.”
“I don’t know what to do. I don’t want to inconvenience your family. I don’t know them. What if we wake them up? What if I get scared in there?”
“You’ll stay in the bunkroom then. You’ve met Tanner, and Raid is a good man. You’ll be safe. I’d never put you in danger.”
He’d do whatever it took to keep her safe.
“O-okay. Thank you.” She picked up her bag from where it had fallen into the footwell when he’d lifted her onto his lap.
“Wait there, I’ll come around and open your door.” He also didn’t want her tripping over anything in the dark, even though the sensor light had come on when they’d pulled up.
He got out and walked to her door. She was sitting there, staring out the window, almost in a trance. Poor baby. Reaching over her, he unbuckled her seatbelt. Then he lifted her out, setting her on her feet and holding her around the waist.
“I’m all right,” she reassured him. “You can let me go.”
He didn’t want to, though.
She felt so good pressed against him. His dick grew even harder. Sleeping was going to be difficult tonight.
But he stepped back and grabbed her bag from her hand.
“Oh, it’s not heavy.”
“Doesn’t matter,” he told her gruffly. “You shouldn’t be carrying things around. And you won’t while I’m around.”
He expected a caveman joke. Instead, she leaned her face against his bicep. “You’re a good man, Butch Malone.”
“Not really, baby. Come on, let me take care of you tonight. You don’t have to do any thinking. All you have to do is listen to me.”
“Okay, boss.”
“I liked Sir better.” Shit, he probably shouldn’t say stuff like that. But he wouldn’t mind seeing her tied to his bed, begging him to let her come while he played with her until she was screaming.
Yeah, he wouldn’t mind that at all.
They walked through into the main living area of the bunk rooms. It was a big building with a small kitchen, living room, and six bedrooms—each with its own attached bathroom. It wasn’t quite as large as the main house where Alec and Mia lived, but it was close.
He led her to one of the spare bedrooms, hoping that the bed was made up. Otherwise, he’d put her in his bed.
Actually, that might be a better idea. He liked the idea of her in his bed. Wrapped up in his sheets.
Fuck.
Nope. She needed to be in her own bed.
“Are you sure this is okay?” she whispered.
“What did I say to you about worrying?” he asked as he switched on the light. Good, this place was clean and smelled okay.
“That I only had to worry about doing what you say?”
“That’s right. Your only concern right now is pleasing me.”
She snorted. “And that’s a huge concern to me.”
“Good. As it should be.” He grinned and winked at her before putting her bag down on the chair in the corner.
“There’s a bathroom through there if you need it. I’ll check if there are sheets on the bed.” He pulled down the cover. Clean sheets, good.
He glanced around as she stood in the middle of the room, her arms wrapped around her. He should leave. Get some sleep.
But she looked so lost that he stepped toward her, holding out his arms. “Come here, baby girl.”
She moved into his arms, and he rocked her back and forth.
“Sorry.”
“I’m going to start keeping track of every time you say sorry when you don’t need to,” he warned. “One day, there might be a reckoning.”
Was it his imagination or did she shiver? Anticipation? Hunger?
Whatever it was, he couldn’t act on it now.
“Go do what you need to in the bathroom. I’m going to make you a hot chocolate to help you sleep.”
“You don’t have to do that,” she said.
“Didn’t think I did. I’m doing it because I want to. Now go.” Turning her, he sent her on her way with a light slap to her ass.
She let out a small, breathy gasp.
Shit. He was done for.
13
Her phone ringing woke her up.
Sitting up with a gasp, she looked around, unable to work out where she was. This wasn’t the motel room. She was . . . at Butch’s house. Well, the bunkroom. She put a hand to her chest, trying to calm her racing heart. What time was it?
Her phone rang again, and she fell off the bed as she reached for it.
Ouch. Just add that to her bruises.