Outlaw (Wolves of Royal Paynes #4) - Kiki Burrelli Page 0,81
could still hold my ground and appreciate his form. I was an artist, after all. It was my job to see inspiration in life.
The corners of Diesel's eyes crinkled as he grinned. "What are you talking about?"
Gah! Every time I thought I'd broken the habit…
"Nothing. Have you heard from Badger recently? They must be getting near the end." Those guys were a little too efficient at making people disappear, but at least these were evil people.
Diesel said nothing, his silence only interrupted by Sitka, who'd come with the rest of the plates. Once he'd gone and it sounded like the rest of the pack had cleared out, Diesel's face tightened, and he reached for the sponge from my hand. "Let me do it," he offered like a plea.
I shoved my hands under the water, stubbing my finger against the bottom of the sink in the process.
My finger throbbed while Diesel murmured, "So stubborn."
I pretended not to hear or hurt and grabbed the next stack, letting them plop messily into the soapy water.
"Did you check for knives?" He sounded just like he used to, fatherly but also terrified I'd somehow manage to cut my throat before I finished rinsing the last cup.
I didn't want to keep fighting but couldn't think of anything to say that wouldn't sound like a challenge, so I kept my mouth shut, bravely washing dish after dish despite the danger of possible knives.
Diesel did nothing but watch me work for a few minutes. I reached for the next stack, and he pushed off the wall, bringing his heat directly behind me. He leaned in, speaking quietly since his lips were already so close to my ear. "You've done half. Let me do the other."
There was no way I'd done half, and all the worst pots and pans were still left. "Oh, we're equal now?"
So much for not fighting.
Except Diesel didn't fire back. He sighed and slid his arms under mine. His hands dipped under the water, and he found the sponge in my hand. I didn't fight him when he tugged the sponge from my hand, leaving me in place as he wordlessly took over washing like I was wearing a mechanical Diesel suit.
His breath was soft and warm against my ear, and it was all I had not to push my ass back and really get acquainted with that hard body. I hadn't touched it in nearly twenty-four hours. I kept my hips in check and thanked the stars Diesel couldn't see how I'd gone hard instantly.
I knew when he smelled my arousal because he growled, soft and low in his chest. He continued with the dishes, letting my desire froth and foam at nothing but his proximity.
"I lost it yesterday, and I'm sorry." Diesel nuzzled the back of my neck and took long draws through his nose pressed against my skin. "You were right. I found out we were going to have a baby, and I went into lockdown mode. Having you—not by my side, because there's no way you're fighting while pregnant, and that's the end of that discussion—but having you near me, on pack lands, makes me stronger. Makes the pack stronger."
He kissed my cheek, and my body turned into a wet noodle. Diesel anticipated my drop and slid one of his legs between mine, propping me with his thigh against my groin. I didn't even try not to ride him, but I had no power or momentum, and I gave up with a pitiful whine. "Does that mean I'm forgiven?"
The scoundrel knew exactly what he was doing. "Why would you think that?" I rolled my body like one of the fitness models in Jazz's stripper aerobics DVD.
I got immediate gratification in the form of Diesel's rumble, reverberating in my chest. "Forgiven or not, baby boy, I'm still your alpha. You're only pregnant for two weeks. It isn't too much to let me help you with your chores."
"And after?" I smirked.
He sounded personally offended. "You'll be too busy with the baby and recuperating to do chores then."
My alpha could be rough around the edges, but if the largest problems I had with him were about him being over-the-top protective or wanting to do all my laundry, then I was very lucky.
"Okay." I played it up, like agreeing to be doted on was a hardship. I knew what was coming next, and I couldn't wait.
He brought his lips to my ear so I'd feel him say it too. "Good boy."