Page 235 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 1

“I really need to get a job and move into my own place.” She let out a small cough, clearly trying to stifle it.

“You’re not well enough to work.” And he didn’t particularly want her leaving the ranch.

“I can’t live here forever, though. I have my car back now. I should probably be out there searching for a job.”

“You’ve only been here a week. Why don’t you give yourself some more time to rest up?”

“I don’t want Colin and Kelly to get sick of me,” she whispered.

He stilled. This was the most honest she’d been with him. And he understood that she was in a bad position. But pushing herself to go out and get a job when she still wasn’t well wasn’t a good idea, either.

“I don’t think either Colin or Kelly are going to get sick of you. Kelly seems ecstatic to have you here.”

“Everyone gets sick of me eventually.”

That asshole ex of hers had done a number on her self-esteem.

“If you’re not going to sleep anymore, I have somewhere to show you, if you’d like to see.”

“Oh. I . . . okay,” she said shyly.

“Go get some warm clothes on. I’ll wait here for you.”

Reagan followed the big cowboy to where one of the work trucks was kept. He opened the passenger door. Then, to her shock, he lifted her into the seat. Grabbing the belt, he buckled her in.

“I can do that myself.”

“I know, darlin’. But I like to know you’re safe.”

These feelings she had for him confused her. She shouldn’t like the way he just took over, but she really liked how he focused on her.

His attention could be addictive.

Climbing in, he drove them out across the hills. She’d grown up in the city, so all this countryside was both gorgeous and intimidating.

“It’s so beautiful here,” she whispered.

“It’s where I grew up. I love it. My brothers prefer living in the city, but the ranch is where I’m happiest.”

“Must have been nice to have siblings.”

“You didn’t?”

“No. My parents couldn’t have any more kids. My dad was upset I wasn’t a boy and my mom followed whatever he said.” To protect herself.

“I’m sorry, little one. They were short-sighted. I’d have loved a little sister to coddle and protect.”

“I used to wish for a big brother. Maybe you could be my big brother,” she teased.

“Oh, these feelings I have for you aren’t brotherly,” he replied.

She swallowed heavily.

“You think about what I told you the other night?” he asked.

“Yes,” she whispered. “I did some research, too. I still don’t know what I think about it.”

“I think you’d do well to have someone looking out for you, little one. And I want to be that man. I want you.”

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