Headhunter (With Me in Seattle Mafia #2) - Kristen Proby Page 0,28
a trap.
Well, shit.
“Uh…”
She laughs and slips around me to start the water in the shower. “Relax, Shane. You’re no virgin. Neither am I, actually.”
I frown. I don’t like the thought of Ivie having had sex with anyone but me. I know the way she sounds, the way her fists clench in the sheets—or my hair. The way she tastes.
And the fact that anyone in the past or the future would have the same knowledge fills me with an all-consuming rage.
“Why do you look like that?” she asks.
“Like what?”
“Like you want to punch a wall.”
I make myself grin and then shrug. “I couldn’t tell you.”
She doesn’t smile back. She just blinks at me, and then, before stepping into the shower, hits me with, “Don’t lie to me again, Martinelli.”
I catch her elbow before she can step into the shower. “I don’t like the thought of other men having been with you.”
She nods once. “That’s better. And I don’t like the idea of you washing someone else’s back. But, we’re both old enough to know that we’ve been with other people. That doesn’t mean I’m sleeping with anyone else now. And for as long as you’re having sex with me, I’d ask for the same consideration.”
I love the fire in her blue eyes. She’s staking a claim, here and now. And as much as I’ve told myself over and over again that this can’t go anywhere, that even though I’m completely wrapped up in her, she can never really be mine, I can’t help but feel my gut clench, and my heart pound in response to her possessiveness.
“Baby, I can’t see anyone but you.” I cup her cheek and bend down to kiss her softly. “Now, let’s get in this shower before we waste all the hot water.”
“Do these still hurt?” I brush my fingertips over her damp skin where the bruises over her ribs have turned from black to green. I reach for some arnica and rub it gently over the wounded area.
“No, they’re just ugly now,” she says and then sighs at my touch. “You’re good with your hands. And now I can vouch for the back-washing praise. You’re hired.”
I grin as I turn to wash my hands, and Ivie pulls her clothes on.
“Shane?”
“Yeah.”
“I’m bored.” She leans on the vanity and crosses her arms over her chest. “I’m getting cabin fever.”
I walk into the closet to put on clean clothes, and Ivie follows me.
“Let’s go somewhere.”
“No.”
“Shane.” It’s not a whine, but it’s damn close. “We’ve been in this house for almost a week. And while I love your ranch, I need to see something else.”
“And you will. As soon as—”
“As soon as we figure this out,” she finishes for me. “Let’s just go for a drive. Just a short one where I can see different trees. Your windows are tinted, and no one’s up here anyway. We’re in the middle of nowhere.”
I should stick to my guns and say no, but she’s been restless all morning, and I know she’s not a loner like I am.
“We could drive into town and get lunch at the best deli I’ve ever been to,” I offer. “But you have to stay in the car when I pick it up.”
“Deal.” She hops and claps her hands in excitement. “Perfect.”
“I’ll call ahead and order,” I mutter. “But don’t get used to this.”
“Of course.” She crosses her heart and holds her fingers up like she’s a Boy Scout. “Scouts’ honor.”
“You were never a Boy Scout.”
She giggles. “Well, no. But I promise. Thank you. I’m going to grab my shoes.”
She runs out, and I send a text to Curt, filling him in. Then I call the deli to place an order. Ten minutes later, we’re in my SUV and headed into town, which is only about twenty minutes away.
“The trees are turning,” she murmurs. “I bet it’s gorgeous up here in the fall.”
“Another week, and it’ll be breathtaking.”
She bites her lip, and I reach out to take her hand. “We might still be here.”
She nods.
“You’re always welcome here, Ivie, whether assholes are chasing you or not.”
That makes her smile, and she glances my way. “Is there a private spot where you can pull over?”
“Do you have to pee or something?”
She just smiles again, so I pull over to the side of the road. “This is private. It’s still my property.”
“Geez, Shane, how much land did you buy?”
“A thousand acres.”
She blinks over at me in surprise. Once I’ve put the vehicle in park, she unbuckles her belt and