“You didn’t, and that’s on me, but you prancing around with nothing covering your ass in front of my buddies really pisses me off.”
His muscles are tense as I stand and approach him.
“Whatever.” I wave him off.
“Goddamnit. I don’t care if it’s the pope who’s in this house. I do not want anyone else seeing what’s mine.”
Now it’s my turn to shout. I’m livid as hell.
“Don’t you dare raise your voice at me! I didn’t do a damn thing wrong. It’s you. All of it is you! The way I see it, this t-shirt covers more of my body than the clothes some of those women had on last night at that party. And I am not yours. I can show my ass to whomever I want.”
“Fuck. You are so stubborn. Those women’s asses weren’t hanging out. I’m having Priscilla buy a gunny sack, granny panties, and a damn muzzle for your mouth.”
I roll my eyes.
“Yeah, good luck with that one, buddy. You’d be better off spanking me.”
“Oh, you’re going to get spanked, all right.”
“Ha! We’ll see about that,” I sneer.
“We sure the hell will!”
Ugh. This man infuriates the living shit out of me. I don’t know whether to love him or hate him. Bitch slap him or kiss him. I’m not done with him yet, though. I want him to admit he’s jealous. It may be childish of me to pull it out of him, but I don’t care. I just want to hear him say it. I’ll prod on with my so-called interrogation and then when I’m done, I’ll be dropping a bomb right on top of his head. He’d better be ready for a big explosion if he lies to me.
“So which one is it? Are you mad because I went back out there and asked for some coffee, or are you really mad because they saw my ass?”
His gaze stays glued to my mouth until I climb off of the bed and stand directly in front of him.
“I’m not mad, baby. I just don’t want anyone else to see what’s rightfully mine. Whether you believe me or not, you are mine. There is nothing in this world that will ever change that.”
Cain reaches for my face, his fingers gliding down my cheek. His eyes become soft.
“You have a slight bruise right here from last night.”
I know he’s talking about my run-in with Emerald. I noticed it this morning, too, when I looked in the mirror. I lean into his touch.
“It doesn’t hurt.”
“I’m glad. So are we good?”
“We will be if you get me another cup of coffee.”
“That I can do.”
His fingers slide to my throat, down my shoulder and arm until he reaches my hand, and clasps it with his. Even though he didn’t tell me directly he’s jealous, it’s written all over his beautiful face, dark with scruff. I hate to put a spoke in his wheel, but it has to be done.
“By the way, here’s my list for Priscilla.” I hand it to him with a flourish. “I’m a woman who has expensive taste. I hope you don’t mind. If you don’t want to spend the money, I’m sure Manny can go back to my apartment to get some of my stuff, you know,” I add, suddenly feeling guilty.
“He can’t. I would bet anything Kryder knows you’re here. I’m not taking any chances where you’re concerned at all. And as far as the money goes, what I have is yours. It makes me feel good to be able to spend it on you.”
“You know,” I say, twining my fingers around his neck. “You’re not as hard-ass as you think you are.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, pretty lady. I am as hard and as badass as I think I am. Now is there anything else?” he smirks.
His amusement amuses me. The minute my words come out of my mouth it will be gone.
“Tell me what the three of you were talking about when I walked in the kitchen. What are you hiding from me, Cain?”
Chapter Eleven
Cain
“What are you talking about?”
Her face falls. Along with mine.
“I overheard you three in there talking before I came in. Please don’t lie. If it’s something I need to know, or something I can help with, then tell me. Don’t leave me in the dark anymore.”
She looks hurt. Lost. Uncomfortable, even.