Page 222 of The Reluctant Hero

“Meine Seele,” he calls gently. I can hear a hint of laughter in his tone.

I slowly turn my head to stare at him. I blink at the picture he makes. Naked, leaning on the doorway to the bathroom with his arms crossed over his chest. I blink at his cock, and my eyes widen even more. That’s a lot more than what it felt like on my ass.

“Amanda. Shower with me.”

My eyes dart up to meet his. His tone is amused. The rest of him isn’t. In fact, he looks like he’s rallying for round two.

“I’m not having sex in the shower. I’m accident-prone enough. I’d rather be shot than survive breaking a dick in half.”

His lips curve into a grin. It’s uncomfortable to see. More malicious and taunting than actual humor. Or maybe that is his sense of humor. Seeing him as he is instead of the cover I’m used to peering past is startling.

“That’s fine. I appreciate the concern. What has you hesitating?”

My brows furrow. Does he really have to ask? I had sex with his boss not even a week ago. I’m living on borrowed time.I’m trying to maintain my focus so I can take out bad guys. And he’s sexy as hell in that pose. He has to know it.

Jake wants more than a few quick rounds of sex. He isn’t like Gabriel, getting off and running. He’s making sure he stays right where he is without compromise. Seeing him surrounded by all the things he’s bought formegives me an odd twisting sensation in my chest. It’s not pleasant, but it isn’t bad either.

If I needed a reminder of how short my lifespan has become I have Jakob on my left and a gun on my right in all the wrinkled sheets.

“There’s nothing wrong with living, imp. I want that for you. To play and rage as much as you like. No life is guaranteed.”

I blink at his dark tone. He sounds like he’s about to ask me for my soul.

He straightens and offers me his hand.

“Live with me,” he raises a brow. “Live with us all. Take everything you want. No one will mind.ThatI can guarantee.”

I can do selfish. I haven’t done that in a very long time.

My eyes narrow on him as I roll out of the bed and take his hand.

“Lead on,” I smirk.

47

If You Want Peace

Amanda

Breakfast is awkward.

It doesn’t help that when we walk in, Jake is smug as hell and has his hand on my ass. He wasn’t kidding. I decided not to wear jeans today, instead going for casual pajamas a lot like his normal wear. Jake still insisted on holding me for as long as he could.

The instant stop of chatter turned into glares in seconds at the sight. Jake made it worse by preening. The asshole even buffed his nails on his shirt.

I should have just made a sign.

Two down, three to go.

As if.

I drop into the chair Jake pulls out for me and bask in complete silence as he makes a plate and delicately tastes it all. He nods to himself and starts to hand the plate over but stops halfway.

He gives me a bright grin but his eyes have moved to something behind me.

“Oh, there you are, Angie. I’m glad you made it in today. If you touch Amanda’s food before she is done with it ever again, they will never be able to identify your body. Are we clear?”

My eyes widen at his happy expression whilethatfell out of his mouth. I can tell he’s dead serious.

---