Page 118 of Watching Her

With a man like Christian, I should learn to expect anything. Still, even though he’d captured my mouth a dozen times before, it always felt as if the first time.

This one was no exception. The taste of red sauce and wine infused with everything else and I was lost, clinging to him as if he was my salvation. I adored the man, craving him more than I had anyone.

And I felt so protected.

As he pulled me close, my heart swelled and for a few seconds, the worry and fear faded. His tongue swept inside, taking time to dominate mine. I heard slight growls coming from deep within his chest, but they were no match for the moans he captured.

I slipped my hands over his shoulders, grounding myself by tangling my fingers in his hair, trusting him more than I’d believed possible.

When he finally backed away, both of us struggled to control our breathing.

“I’m sorry I doubted you, Penelope. That is my shortcoming.”

“You mean one of them.” I pushed away so I could lift my head and stare into his eyes.

He couldn’t help but smile. “Fair enough. I’m a brutal man who came from a father who was trained that the only way to handle opposition was by eliminating it. He was damn good at what he did and in truth, I learned from him. I have a lot to lose and there are scores of people who will stop at nothing to take a piece of what I’ve worked so hard to build. And make no mistake, I’ve built it alongside my brother. Not with the use of blackmail or extortion. But in turn, I will not tolerate anyone betraying me.”

When I opened my mouth again, he placed his hand over it.

“Do I need to take you over my knee again?” This time he rolled his eyes. “If you don’t want to come work with my company, that’s perfectly fine, but I do have a question that I’d like an honest answer to.”

“I’m always honest.”

His eyes flashed amusement. “Touché. If you were given a choice between having your own business and returning to an executive position within the hospitality field, which would you choose? And not with working for me.”

I had to think about the answer. “I honestly don’t know. As you might imagine, I have a bad taste in my mouth. The circumstances would need to be entirely different, stretching my abilities while providing a nurturing atmosphere.”

“Fair enough. But maybe you’ll indulge me by allowing me to run something by you. No strings attached. I promise.”

“How do I know I can trust you?”

“That’s another question I guess you’ll need to answer for yourself. Now, you are coming with me back to my estate. I won’t take no for an answer.”

“Why?”

Christian smirked while shaking his head. “Because I told you that’s what is going to happen and you’re going to follow my rules.”

“If I don’t?”

His laugh created another wave of white-hot tingles dancing all the way to my toes.

He had a way of getting everything he wanted.

Including me.

CHAPTER 25

Christian

“I told myself I should learn not to be surprised by anything from you.”

Penelope’s voice held apprehension, more so now that we’d been more truthful with one another than before.

“How so?” I asked, tossing her a helmet, which she caught then stared at, her chest rising and falling lightly.

“A motorcycle?”

“Not just any motorcycle but a Harley. There are two ways to experience my estate at sundown. One is on a horse, which I own several of, and another is on a bike, where you truly have a sense of freedom.”