Page 54 of Dust to Dust

Groaning, I threw my head back against the headrest. “You’ve got to stop.”

“Why?”

“If you don’t, I’m going to jerk up your skirt and fuck you right here in front of Shane.”

Isla squeaked in horror before pushing herself away from me. “I’m not ready for that.” With a shake of her head, she added, “What I mean is I’ll never be ready to have someone watch us…you know.”

I laughed. “Considering you can’t bring yourself to say it, I’m not shocked.”

“Have you?”

“Once or twice.”

“Did you like it?”

“While it can be hot, I’m glad to hear you say you’re not down for it.”

“Why?”

“I already have to share you enough with the men at the club, and I’m a selfish bastard.”

“Good. I don’t want to share you with any other women either.”

As I stared into Isla’s beautiful face, I still couldn’t believe she possibly wanted me. Out of all the men she came into contact with at the club, she picked me. It was overwhelming.

And so far, I’d predominantly treated her like a plaything. I had to make amends. She deserved to be treated like the queen she was.

“I’m sorry I’ve been a beast to you,” I said in a hushed whisper. I didn’t need Shane hearing me be vulnerable in front of a woman. It wasn’t what was expected of men like me.

Isla blinked at me. “What did you say?”

“I said I’m sorry I’ve been a beast.” I once again spoke in a low voice.

She cupped her ear. “I still didn’t hear you.”

“Isla,” I growled at her cheekiness.

With a grin, she replied, “Yes, Quinn?”

“Why are you giving me shit?”

“Maybe because you don’t mind letting Shane hear you try to fuck me, but you can’t let him hear you apologize?” She shook her head at me. “That doesn’t fly with me.”

“It’s complicated,” I gritted out.

“Then uncomplicate it.”

In a low voice, I replied, “He works underneath me. He has to be able to respect me and see me as a leader.”

“And apologizing to me is somehow going to undermine that?”

“Aye, it will.”

Her expression clouded over. “Then this needs to stop before it goes any further. I plan on dating you, not your men or your lifestyle.”

“It’s unavoidable.”

She crossed her arms over her chest. “It’s archaic and misogynistic.”

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