Page 43 of Evelyn's Enforcer

“Perhaps not, but that doesn’t mean that the fact doesn’t weigh heavily upon my soul.” I looked back at the closet and told him,

“I don’t need compensation, Ryker.”

“Good, because that isn’t what that is,” he established quickly, making me ask,

“Then what is it?”

“This is the beginning of me taking care of what’s mine.” His answer had me swallowing hard.

“What’s yours?” I asked quietly, and at this he gripped my hips and pulled me into him before growling down at me,

“Yes, what is mine.”

“Ryker, I am not a possession to be bought,” I told him, hoping that this wasn’t what he thought this was.

“No, you’re the priceless treasure to be found… and guess what, Little Dove? I found you first,” he told me on a growl of words, making me shiver. It was a reaction that continued as he claimed my lips like he usually did when things between us became this intense.

“Now let me care for you… please,” he added once he had finished kissing me in favor of doing the same to my neck.

“Tell me yes, Evelyn.” His whispered words against my skin were just not something I could fight against anymore, and I found myself agreeing with a slight nod. One he had been waiting for as he took my hand in his and walked me over to where he had been sitting.

“Thank you… now come, eat, for you must be hungry.”

“Well, I ate a buffet worth of food in your office building,” I reminded him, making him grin,

“Yes, and at my request for I knew you had missed breakfast, as well as far too many proper meals to count.” I frowned at this, asking,

“You have been watching me?”

“Are you really shocked?” he asked, and I admitted in a deflated tone,

“No, I guess not.”

“Hey now, let there be no reasons for us to dwell on our turbulent past.” I felt my face speak for me before my words followed,

“Easier for you to say when you were the one stalking me.”

“That maybe so, but even you cannot deny the attraction between us from the very beginning.” Okay, so he had me there.

“Then maybe you should have simply asked me out,” I pointed out, and he laughed at that before reminding me once again,

“Ah yes, the thief and the runaway, tell me, Evie, when was I to have the chance?”

“Okay, so that’s a fair point, I grant you,” I admitted, making him smirk,

“But if you like, I would be honored should you grant me the pleasure of your company tonight, as I… date you.” I sucked in a quick breath and reminded him,

“But I didn’t think you dated, least of all me… your words, remember?”

“You took my words to heart, I see, and most literal, but I should have explained better. I am not dating you, Evelyn.” I couldn’t help but frown at this.

“Then what is this?” I was almost too afraid to ask but then I was even more afraid of what he would say in return.

“I have claimed you,” he stated as if it was that simple. As if I knew what that even meant.

“Claimed me… you mean sex?” I asked with a little shake of my head.

“No, sweet girl, I don’t mean sex. I mean this is the start of you and me with no end-to-be in sight.”