Wealthy and Wanted - Alexa Riley Page 0,21

We only have to wait until she’s 18 and then my parents can’t stop her, really.

But then my parents would lose everything. I hate that I have so much guilt over it, because they didn't have any when they sold me off to Judge.

Clay turns on the water in the shower before he steps inside. His hands roam up and down my back, and the rough feel of them is so good against my skin. It isn't only the touch that I enjoy but how strong and safe it makes me feel. Even now as his hands slide over me, he’s pushing away all thoughts of my family.

“Can I wash you?” I ask, looking up at him, and the warm water spills over us.

“You can do anything you want, baby.”

He puts me down, and I take my time washing every inch of him. I take note of every scar and freckle on his body because I want to know everything about this man. Then he does the same to me until we’re once again lost in the moment and kissing until we’re breathless.

Can you be addicted to another person? I have this uncontrollable need for Clay. I’m not sure I can handle losing him. I’m going to talk to him about everything. I know he’ll figure it out or fix it somehow.

A weight lifts off my shoulders at how simple it is to just share this burden. It’s crazy how fast I’ve come to trust him and how I’ve felt safe since I walked through the door. Even when he was stomping around and shouting.

“You okay?” He tilts my head back to look up at him.

“Yes, thanks to you.” I lean in and kiss his chest over his heart.

“I know where this is going.” A deep chuckle escapes. “We’re running out of hot water and I’m not letting you take a cold shower on this delicate skin. I also need to feed you.”

I’m not sure cold water actually hurts your skin, but I don’t say nothing. I enjoy the thought of him taking care of me and watching out for me too.

“Fine,” I huff, pretending to be upset, but my smile wins out, and he knows I’m teasing.

“There will be more showers, I can promise you that.” He pulls us out of the shower, and we both get dressed. It’s for the best we put clothes on, or we won’t get anything done today.

“I know you’re running later than normal. There’s still time for me to make you a quick breakfast.”

A giant smile lights up his handsome face. He crosses the bedroom and drops a quick kiss on my mouth. He surprises me when he lifts me up and tosses me over his shoulder, making me laugh. He carries me to the kitchen, and I fear my smile will split my face as I happily bounce along in his grip.

“Good thing I’m the boss. I show up whenever the hell I want.” He sets me down on the kitchen counter. “Figured the least I could do is carry you in here.”

“Thank you for the ride. Now hit the button on the coffee and get the cups. It’s all ready to go.”

He does it as I slip off the counter and start cooking something simple. Clay’s eyes are on me the whole time, watching everything that I do. You’d think I was the most fascinating creature in the world. Maybe to him I am.

His phone starts to ring, and he answers it. “Where?” he asks, and he’s on his feet. “Yes, call them both. Fuck. I’ve been saying we need a full-time vet here.” His body is tight, and I know something’s really wrong. I rush over to the coffee pot and put the rest into the travel mug.

When I turn around, he’s hanging up the phone. “Is everyone okay?”

“One of the hands was checking the fence line and a snake spooked the horse. He threw John and the horse didn't regain his footing and fell too.” That didn't sound too bad. “Into a barbed wire fence.”

I cringe. “Go.” I hand him the cup. “You want to take the toast or bacon?”

He shakes his head, and I want to tell him he should eat something.

“Don’t worry. I’ll be back around lunch to check on you. You can feed me then.” He wraps his arm around me and presses his mouth hard against mine before he heads out the door. But not before he tells me to keep my ass inside the