Page 80 of Knot a Tie
My cheeks go a bit warm. “Well, no. I need to do some laundry,” I admit sheepishly. “But after, I’m soooo helping you arseholes.”
With as much dignity as I can muster, I pick up the basket and head into the kitchen and through to the utility room at the back that houses the washer, drier and ironing stuff.
Pissed off, I shove my whites into the washer and search for the detergent. Finding it, I pour out a capful into the drawer and set it on a cotton wash.
“I didn’t mean anything by it,” Spencer says from behind me. “I just meant that it is our job to protect you and we will. You don’t need to help us do that.”
In that moment, I see his statement for what it really is. Alpha protection mode activated. I’ve bruised their egos by offering to help. But it’s tough. I’m a doer, and they're going to have to realise that and accept it.
“I want to help. This is because of me.”
“Stop saying that,” James snaps at me, shoving Spencer out of the way to storm into the small utility room. “This isn’t because of you. If anything, it’s because of Richard, but even that isn’t one hundred percent on him. These arseholes, who have taken it upon themselves to shun pack life and fly in the wind by themselves, trying to take what they think the world owes them are a bunch of entitled shitheads, who need to be held accountable for their crimes. They are nasty pieces of work and you have gone above and beyond, Rayne. You are a victim – and don’t get all shirty with me about that word, you are – and yet, you have done everything you can to help take them down. Do you know how much courage that takes? You are a fighter, loyal and brave. You will not blame yourself for this situation again. Do I make myself clear?”
His stern voice and expression are kind of turning me on in a way that is unexpected. I usually loathe being ordered about, and rebel against it. There are ways of asking people to do something and commanding or demanding don’t work with me. This, however, mmm.
I adopt a sultry expression and focus on his stormy blue eyes. “Yes, sir,” I murmur.
His eyes go wide and then narrow with lust. “Don’t make me come over there and smack your arse, young lady.”
I turn around and stick my bum out, hoping for a naughty spank or two.
“Jesus wept,” Spencer murmurs. “Please don’t. My cock is about to burst, and we still have work to do.”
“Later, missy,” James says, jabbing his finger at me, which under any other circumstances, would annoy the shit out of me.
“Promises, promises,” I drawl, and push past them both to make myself some food. I’m starving.
And because I’m not a selfish cow, I also make them each a cup of tea and some toast, which Spencer helps me carry out to the entrance hall like a little puppy with his tongue hanging out. He is hugely aroused, I can see the bulge in his pants, but my bits have gone on holiday and won’t be entertaining his bits for a while.
As the men stop for a tea break, I check the news again and tell them about the number my dad sent.
“Do you know who it belongs to?” I ask, showing it to James.
He takes it from me and looks at the number, having gotten over his bossy attitude with a lovely cup of tea.
“No, I don’t recognise it. Might be someone in private security.”
I nod and take the phone back. “Anyway, if we need it, I’ll ring.” Something tells me texting won’t cut it for this one.
Wanting to discuss the heat suppressants, but needing Richard here as well, I chew my lip, finding myself at a bit of a loss as to what to do next.
When William takes my cup of tea and says, “There’s some chairs out on the patio, do you want to start bringing them in?” I nearly kiss him.
“Yes, I can do that,” I say, giving him a bright smile and sauntering off to the TV room and out to the patio beyond. I pause, making sure that there is no one lurking before I grab the first chair and bring it in. It’s wicker and lightweight and will do absolutely nothing against barricading the door, but I appreciate that he included me in the process. It’s only when I get to the entrance hall, that a sharp pain pierces my side and I gasp, dropping the chair and doubling over against the pain.
“Rayne!” James shouts and races over, the others right behind him. “What is it?”
“Not sure,” I rasp, clutching my side as the pain intensifies, but then disappears, leaving me breathless. “It’s okay. I’m okay.”
I straighten up and blink, feeling no more pain. “That was weird.”
“Are you okay?” Cameron asks, hovering next to me, his hands outstretched ready to catch me if I fall.
“Yeah, yes, I’m fine. Just a sharp pain. It’s gone.” To show them I’m really okay, I pick the chair up again, but William whisks it away from me.
“Go and lie down in your nest, Rayne. We’ve got this. We overused your body last night. You need to rest.”
“No,” I insist. “I’m fine.”
