I switch my focus to my physical state. It seems more tangible, real. “My ass hurts.”
He chuckles. “Your legs are going to hurt from standing in the corner all day if you don’t stop cussing.”
“That’s a silly rule for a grown adult,” I counter.
“It’s a perfectly reasonable rule for a naughty Little girl, though. And I like how you react every time I put my foot down, so you can expect a lot more rules in the coming days. And, Baby girl, let me tell you something: Did you notice how aroused you got when I spanked you?”
It’s a rhetorical question, and I don’t answer it.
His thumb moves absently across my knuckles, still holding my hand between my breasts. “I should point out that when I take you over my knees to spank your naughty bottom for misbehaving, it will not end in an orgasm.”
My breath hitches. After a few seconds, I twist my head around to face him. It’s too dark in here to read his expression.
He’s laughing again. “Do you think I’m not serious?”
“I don’t know what to think. I’m new to this. New to you. New to life, apparently.”
He’s still shaking with laughter as he tugs me down into his arms. “Maybe I should read some of the books on your e-reader.”
“Don’t you dare!”
His lips are on my neck again. I can feel his smile as he plants a dozen kisses behind my ear. “You’re so cute when you’re all riled up.”
“You can’t even see me to know that,” I grumble.
He spoons me tighter, making me wince when his thighs bump my sore butt. I’m pretty sure all he’s wearing now is nylon shorts. The hairs on his legs are tickling me.
“Does your bottom hurt, Baby girl?”
“Yes.”
“Maybe I should take a look at it.”
When he starts to pull the covers back, I grab his arm. “You’re not going to look at my ass, Mace.”
“Tsk tsk. Another naughty word.”
I roll my eyes. Good thing he can’t see me. I think he was only kidding about examining my butt. He has pulled the covers back into place and resumed holding my hand against my chest.
“Your misplaced modesty is adorable.”
“Are you making fun of me?”
The truth is, I’m enjoying this banter. It’s lighthearted and helps me relax. Probably intentional on his part.
“I’m not making fun of you, Baby girl. I promise. I love that you’re so innocent. I love that you haven’t been touched by another man. I love that I get to be the only one to rock your world for the rest of your life.”
My heart is racing again. I want to believe him. I want to freeze this moment and stay right here, in his arms, forever. But it seems too good to be true. I can’t trust this to work out. He barely knows me. I barely know me. Maybe we won’t fit together in the long run.
But I’m certainly willing to give it a try. The only thing I have to lose is my heart.
Time ticks by before I speak again. “What’s going to happen? With my dad, I mean?”
“I’m waiting on my men to get back to me about what’s on his surveillance cameras. They also dusted the house for fingerprints, but I doubt they will find anything.”
“Shouldn’t we call the police?” My father was very specific about his preferences. He wanted me to come to Mace right away and let him handle things, but it seems so weird.
“No, Baby,” he says softly. “I know it goes against your instincts, but trust me on this. Whoever killed your father isn’t a regular citizen who could be arrested and put on trial. Involving the police would only hamper my investigation. The person or people aren’t going to get picked up by the cops, put on trial, and go to prison, sweetheart.”