Page 237 of Dirty Discipline, Vol. 1

“Unfortunately, I have to leave for a while. I need to head into the city. Colin, can I talk to you a moment? Reagan, I’ll be back in a minute.”

She nodded, worried. He gestured at Colin, who followed him out into the living room.

“I hope everything’s all right,” Kelly murmured, frowning as she spooned up a large serving of food. Reggie spooned up a much smaller serving without any mashed potato. Lance had never let her eat carbs at night.

She caught that nasty thought as it flitted through her mind. Lance wasn’t here now. She proceeded to spoon some potatoes onto her plate, feeling stupidly pleased with herself.

“There’s been some issues lately with the business Alex owns with two of his brothers,” Kelly confided.

“What sort of business?” Reggie asked.

“Pharmaceuticals. Louis is a genius. He’s the head research scientist. And Matthias is the CEO. Alex owns part of the company, but just goes in when they need some advice or something is going wrong. I think Louis has been having issues with some members of his team. Alex will get it sorted.”

Both women quieted as the two men re-entered the room.

“Reagan, can I talk to you?” Alex asked.

“Sure.” She followed him into the living room. “Is everything okay?”

He turned and grasped her hips, drawing her close. Then he ran his thumb gently down her cheek, leaving goose bumps of sensation in its wake. With the side of his hand under her chin, he tilted her head back until she was staring into his intense brown eyes.

“It will be. I’ll sort it out.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Just Louis needing some support. Hopefully, I’ll only be gone for a few days. Are you gonna miss me, darlin’?”

More than she thought she would. “Maybe.”

“Hmm.” He ran his thumb across her lips. Her heart raced. “Maybe? I think we can do better than that.”

He kissed her, wrapping his arms around her as he held her tight. Then he drew back and she would have fallen had he not been clasping her around the waist.

“What about now?”

“Stay,” she told him.

He grinned. “That’s better. Wish I could, but I’ll try to come back quick.”

Shoot. What was she doing? He had to go help his brothers.

“Sorry, of course you have to go.”

“I want you to be a good girl while I’m gone,” he told her firmly. “Don’t push too hard, you still have a slight cough. And you’re a bit pale. Did you do too much today?”

“No.” She’d only cleaned the house from top to bottom and washed the windows while Kelly was out getting groceries.

“You wouldn’t lie to me, would you, baby?”

“No,” she replied. But she crossed her fingers behind her back.

“Lots of rest, no running, or horse riding, and I want you to eat more. Do you understand me, Reagan?”

“I understand you’re bossy, Alex McKenzie.” His hands cupped her cheeks, his warmth seeping through her cold skin.

“I care about you, little one. Is that so bad? Now, you have a choice. You can do as I say or you can disobey me.”

Reggie frowned. “And if I disobey you?”

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