Page 14 of Fated Surrender

“Good isn’t it,” he asked, as she nodded. She was making noises that were driving him crazy.

“Where on earth did you learn to make a chocolate pie like that?” she asked, looking at him with satisfied eyes.

“My ma.” He grinned and lined up the fork for another bite.

“That woman must be amazing,” she said, opening for another bite.

“Even though there were seven of us, she had a way of making you feel like you were her special boy. I had to join the football team in high school to stay fit. I grew up next to my ma in the kitchen. I was her taste tester and her helper. It’s why I love helping her out in the diner,” Connor said, holding up another bite.

“That’s not your job?” she asked, accepting the bite.

Connor nodded for a second and then shook his head.

“Yes and no. Yes, I work at the diner. But it’s not all I do. I listen to people when they have problems and help them as much as they will let me,” Connor said, giving her another bite.

She chewed and looked at him.

“You know you need real training to do that. Just giving out advice without the proper education can make things worse,” she said.

He nodded.

“So, you don’t care?” she asked.

Connor could tell she was getting riled, and damn if it wasn’t turning him on. “Of course I care, it’s why I do what I do.” Connor put the empty plate on the floor next to the couch where they were sitting.

Madison turned her body so that she was facing him.

“Connor,” she began and he put a finger on her lips.

“Why do you automatically assume I am uneducated?” he asked, feeling slightly hurt. He could see the surprise on her face and he removed his finger.

“You are absolutely right. All I saw was my first impression of you. This gorgeous, sexy man with a dish towel cleaning the counter of a small town diner. It never occurred to me that you had gone to school. You have a degree, I take it?” she asked.

“A couple of them.”

“I’m sorry,” she said quietly.

“Don’t worry about it. Come here,” Connor said, dragging her beneath him on the couch.

“I have to kiss you,” Connor said before claiming her lips. He delved into her mouth and nearly moaned himself as he tasted remnants of chocolate on her tongue. His eyes crossed when she raked her nails down his back. Standing, he picked her up to carry her to the bedroom.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“The bedroom. I’m not claiming my mate on the couch.”

“Who said anything about claiming?” she asked and he froze.

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t mind exploring this heat between us, but I’m not ready to mate.” Connor put her on her feet and turned his back to her, to face the couch.

“So, you don’t mind scratching an itch with me, but I’m not good enough to be with?” Connor demanded coldly.

“Let’s get one thing straight, I don’t scratch itches. I was offering you my body, I’m sorry if that wasn’t good enough. We met this morning, Connor, right before you kidnapped me and brought me to a remote location. I’d like to know a little more about you before tying our damn souls together. I’m not a slut, Connor Arkadion!” she said heatedly before heading to the bedroom.

Connor turned in time to see her slam the bedroom door.

How in the fuck is this my fault?

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