Page 226 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 1

Reggie watched the bossy cowboy easily move her luggage in two trips, when it had taken her at least five to load it in her car. Despite the fact that she should disobey his order on principle, she found herself staying in the truck.

She was feeling light-headed and exhausted. And it was a bit of a relief to let someone else do the heavy lifting. She probably shouldn’t be sitting here in a stranger’s truck, but there was something about him that felt so safe and trustworthy.

She’d need to call someone about her car. But she guessed that could wait until she got to Kelly’s place.

“Right, darlin’, where were you going?” he asked after climbing into his truck and starting it up.

“Umm, to the McKenzie spread. I'm staying there for a while.”

She watched his large hands tighten on the steering wheel for a moment before he relaxed once more.

“That so? You know, the boss there doesn't like his cowboys having women in his bunkrooms. Whoever you're going to see is brave risking Alex McKenzie's wrath.”

“Got a temper, does he?” She wasn’t too worried. She’d visited the ranch before without a problem, but Mr. McKenzie hadn’t been around those times.

“Why don't you rest your eyes for a bit? I'll wake you when we get there.” His voice was surprisingly gentle, and she turned to look out the window, hiding the sudden tears that rose.

“I'm okay,” she said, yawning as her eyes began to droop. “I'm not going there to see a cowboy. I've sworn off men.”

“That so?” His voice was a low, quiet rumble, and she started to drift off, her body growing leaden with exhaustion.

“Uh-huh, rat bastards every one. I'm going to stay with my friend Kelly.” Her eyes closed.

“Well, damn,” he murmured. “Not going to be that easy to get rid of you, is it, darlin'?”

What did he mean? All he had to do was drop her off. But she was too tired to answer him. Gradually, she drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Two

“We’re here, darlin’.” The sound of a man’s voice shocked Reggie into full consciousness. She opened her eyes, freezing with fear. Where was she? Who was she with?

Someone chuckled. “You can breathe, little one. In fact, I insist on it. I don’t want to explain to Kelly why I have her friend’s corpse in my cab.” The voice was dry, light-hearted, but she heard the command in his tone. “Stay there while I come around and get your door.”

Reggie watched a little warily as the large man exited the high cab gracefully before navigating his way around the front of the truck. Still half asleep, she felt disoriented and out of sorts. The short cat nap seemed to have increased her exhaustion, and she was glad of his support as she exited the cab, swaying slightly.

A low growl had her glancing up in surprise at the man clasping her tightly around her waist.

“I’m fine, thanks,” she said tiredly, trying to move back from his touch. However, he had her trapped between the truck and his hard body, and seemed in no hurry to let her go.

If she hadn’t been so tired, she might have enjoyed being pressed up against him far more.

“You’re white as a ghost, you’re obviously exhausted, and you’re coughing like you smoke a pack a day.” His eyes narrowed at her. “You don’t smoke, do you?”

“No. Never have.”

“That’s a good girl.”

Oh, shit. She liked being called a good girl. What was wrong with her?

“Reggie!” The sound of her best friend’s voice had her sighing in relief, and he gave her a slight grin, releasing her.

“Saved, little one. Remember, you can run, but you can’t hide,” he murmured as he stepped back, allowing her to see Kelly racing towards her from the house.

“Running seems to be my thing,” she said without thinking.

“Well, maybe because you never had a place that you felt safe.”

No, she’d never had that. And she didn’t think she’d find anywhere like that in the near future. Before she could say anything, though, Kelly was there, wrapping her up in her arms.

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