Page 234 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 1

He reached out again slowly, cupping her cheek with his hand. “Do you feel it too?”

“Yes, but I don’t think I can act on it. I just came out of a bad relationship. I’m not looking for another.”

“It sounds like this guy was a jerk and didn’t treat you like he should have. I’m not like that.”

“You might not verbally abuse me like Lance, but you’d want to hit me.”

“I would never hit you,” he said fiercely. “Ever. Anything that would happen would be because you’d broken a rule and understand the consequences. You’d have to agree to that sort of relationship. And you would be looked after, cherished, protected. But I’ve given you a lot to think about, and it’s probably time I backed off and left.”

Strangely, she didn’t want him to go.

“I want you to go straight to bed, little one. You look pale. And you’ll rest tomorrow.”

She sighed. “Do you boss everyone around this much?”

“Only people I care about.” He grinned.

Damn, her legs went weak at that smile. Seriously. She was in trouble here.

“If you’re interested, you can do some research on domestic discipline relationships.” He ran a finger down her cheek. “Sleep well, little one.”

She stood there, thinking long after he’d left.

Alex McKenzie was an added complication she didn’t need in her life. And yet . . . she knew she wouldn’t be able to stop thinking about him.

Chapter Four

It was early morning as Alex walked toward the stables.

He took the path past Colin and Kelly’s place. He wondered how Reagan was processing what he’d told her the other night.

You’re moving too fast.

Yes, but Alex wasn’t a man to waste time. When he wanted something, he went after it. And he couldn’t get Miss Reagan out of his mind. She’d wormed her way in there. He wanted her. And he’d have her.

He frowned as he saw someone sitting on the front stoop, looking up at the stars.

“Reagan?”

She startled, letting out a small scream. “Oh my God! Why don’t you make any noise when you move?”

He thought he’d made plenty of noise.

“What are you doing out here, little one?” he asked. “It’s cold and still dark. You should still be in bed.”

“I got woken up and couldn’t go back to sleep.”

He sat next to her. “Worrying about something?”

“That’s part of it. Also, the walls are really thin in this house.”

What did that have to . . . oh.

“Colin and Kelly are awake?” he asked.

“Um, yep.”

He had to grin. Although, he hadn’t realised the walls would be that thin.

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