Her cackle is sharp. “You embarrassed yourself.”
Shame burns up my throat, which only fuels the gurgling frustration. “It’s a mistake I won’t make again.”
“Is that why you had me hauled to your house?”
I shrug. “It proves a point.”
“The cops are in your pocket,” she deadpans. “Real shocker.”
A squeak from the old windmill drowns out my chuckle. “You’re admitting I’m in charge?”
Her fingers wrap around an imaginary pole, stroking seductively. “Until I get my hands on you, stud.”
“That was a moment of weakness. Won’t happen again.” No matter how hard my cock is straining toward her right now.
The confident quirk of her lips pumps my arousal faster. “We’ll see.”
“In the meantime,” I drawl and nod at the house. “Make yourself at home.”
“I’m not staying here,” she protests.
My focus drops to the single bag beside her. “We’ll get the rest of your stuff later.”
“This is everything. Just missing my bike.” The prideful lift of her chin dares me to pity her.
“Minimal belongings. Even better.” I sweep an arm toward the front door. “Let’s go.”
Frankie’s boots remain rooted to the ground. “Didn’t you hear me the first time?”
“This will go a lot smoother if you cooperate.”
“Don’t talk to me like I’m an unruly child.”
“Maybe if you quit acting like one.”
She pops out a hip. “Gonna toss me over your knee?”
The visual is more potent than any drug, filling me with a heat I’ll never escape. I grip her chin lightly. “Keep tempting me, little menace. There’s only so much sass I can take.”
Resentment hardens her stare. “You’re an ass.”
I hum in agreement. No bother denying it. “And now your ass is mine.”
Frankie bristles. “Your family might run this town, but you’ll never have me.”
“Not with that attitude.”
“Are you planning to lock me in a cage?”
“Tempting, but I don’t think it will come to that.”
“There’s not a chance I’ll stay here willingly.”
“No?” I tilt my head, studying how the sunlight reflects off her red hair. “Doesn’t matter what you say. You’re not going anywhere.”
On cue, Ronnie bursts onto the scene like a welcome wagon at full speed. “Frankie! Oh. My. Gosh. You’re gonna live with us. I’m soooo happy!”
Before my eyes, I watch the ice queen melt into a puddle. My daughter has that effect on most people, me included. She’s impossible to deny, which is why Frankie and I stand motionless to watch her race across the yard.