“You think it started when your brother hired me? Nah, that was him granting me easy access. Not that I need it. I’ve been watching you for five years, Princess.” My voice is a blade that slices through the divide separating us. “And I’m not just talking about online. You’ve been under my protection since I got permission to enter Benson Farmstead. This job promotion—if that’s what you insist on calling it—makes stalking you much more convenient. I’ll never quit either. Consider my position permanent.”
Dumping that off my chest releases the shackles, but waiting for her reaction still suspends me. I glance at the faded elastic band on my wrist. The urge to snap it hasn’t plagued me since she got buckled into my truck. Those restless nerves are at rest. Maybe I will be too.Soon.
Her lashes flutter as she recovers from my truth bomb. I expect disgust to curl her upper lip next. But rather than cringing or appearing disturbed, she bursts into loud laughter.
“Oooooh, are you trying to scare me again?” Another shrill giggle bursts free.
Now my jaw drops. Most would view this situation as a concern. Meanwhile, Bianca is treating it like a joke.
“I’m serious.” But my stern retaliation doesn’t hold an edge over her humor.
“Oh, I believe you. It makes total sense.”
Disbelief renders me speechless for several moments. “You’re not upset?”
“Been there. Done that. Didn’t change the outcome.” She shrugs, gathering her composure with a deep inhale. “If I’m going to have a stalker, it might as well be you.”
I damn near fall off my horse. “Why?”
“You’re not a threat to me, Cowboy.” And then she clears her throat, dropping her voice to mimic a lower octave like mine. “I need to keep you safe. This isn’t just a job for me. You have no idea what I’ll do to protect you, Princess.”
My nostrils flare as I listen to her impersonation. I don’t want her to fear me, but this response is something else entirely. “Are you mocking me?”
She shakes her head, biting her bottom lip. “I wouldn’t dare.”
But her theatrical performance strongly suggests otherwise.
“Try again,” I grunt.
“Oh, Colton. You’re my hero. How can I repay you for chasing away the bad guys?” Her breathy tone strokes me from root to tip.
I’m half hard in the saddle while she’s putting on a show. “Such a fucking brat,” I growl.
She bats her dark lashes. “What’re you gonna do about it?”
And now she’s taunting me. I tighten my hand on the reins, imagining her will bending to mine. The surrender would be very sweet—and fleeting. She might agree for a night, but I want forever.
“You couldn’t handle it,” I warn.
“Other way around, Stalker,” she coos.
“Say it again,” I blurt. What I’m specifically demanding must show on my face.
“Stalker,” Bianca exhales automatically. “Do you want me to be submissive?”
I barely manage to trap a groan. Fuck, this woman drives me to the brink of madness. Visions of her begging for relief assault me. She’s on her hands and knees, bare ass thrust in the air. Whimpered pleas drip from her pouty lips as I prepare to slam into her from behind.
Harder. Faster. Please.
Bianca’s amused hum cuts into the fantasy. “Mhmm, I think you’d like to dominate me. Does that involve teaching me a lesson when I’m naughty? Maybe a spanking? I’ve always been curious how that would feel in the heat of the moment.”
A quake rocks my equilibrium as her temptation hits me. The semi-polite restraint keeping us apart just snapped. It’s as if her fingers are dancing along my spine while my cock plunges deep into her cunt. She’d be slick and warm, like melted honey dripping on my tongue.
This afternoon has taken a promising turn and I’m along for the ride. Bianca is right there with me, squirming in her saddle. Our conversation just kicked open a door we’ve barely cracked before. There’s no going back once we cross the threshold.
I’ve given her space, whether she believes it or not. The distance I’ve kept didn’t get me anywhere for years, but now we’re sharing a home for the foreseeable future. This could be the beginning of us if I can convince her to take a chance on forever with me.
Bandit snorts and I jolt from those wishful thoughts. Bianca is studying me too closely again. Her lips curl seductively once she has my full attention.
