Page 26 of Keeping Katie
His touch is so warm. Gentle, but firm. It’s like anytime he holds me, I melt right into him.
When he threatens to spank me, my body heats, and my pussy clenches. Spanking scenes in books are always my favorite parts but I have no idea if I’d actually enjoy it. What if it’s not as hot as it is in the stories? Grady made it clear that some spankings won’t be pleasurable.
Could I submit to being punished? The idea is intriguing. Being forced to strip out of my pants and panties and bend over his thighs so he can discipline me like a naughty Little girl? Yeah, the thought is freaking hot. I have a feeling it might not feel as sexy, though, when it’s actually happening.
“I, um, Grady?” I say softly.
I’m so tired and confused right now that I don’t know what to think about all of this. This man I just met is bulldozing into my life, and I don’t know how to react. I’ve never had a man show interest in me like this, and I’m pretty sure most men aren’t quite this…intense.
“I know, baby. This is a lot. For now, I want you to shut your brain off and focus on getting ready to sleep. Find something towear and get changed. I’m going to cover all your baked goods. I’ll be back in five minutes. I want you under those blankets with Pancake in your arms when I get back. Can you be a good girl and do all that for me?”
His voice is soft, coddling, but he’s not asking, and I know it. I also want to please him and be his good girl. “Yes.”
When he leans down and presses a kiss to my forehead, I suck in a breath and close my eyes. I want him to kiss me everywhere. I want to feel the scratchiness of his beard on my skin, my nipples, lower. I’ve never felt this need before. It’s overpowering all my senses.
As he takes a step back, my gaze lands on his slacks and the enormous bulge between his legs. Holy crap. That’s big. Long and thick.
“Eyes up here, princess. Ignore that. I can’t help my response to you.”
I snap my head back, though the look on my face must be one of shock because he chuckles softly as he turns around and leaves me alone to spiral.
A full minute passes before I start moving. Shoot, I need to hurry up before he gets back. I dig through my drawers and find the least ratty matching pajama set I have. One of these days, I’ll go buy some new ones. It’s been on my list of things to do forever, but life has gotten in the way. I can’t remember the last time I bought any new clothes or shoes.
Right as I climb under the covers, Grady taps on the door, then walks in and gives me that breathtaking smile of his. Who knew teeth could be so white and perfectly straight? The man is a mix of sophistication and roughness. His teeth are perfect, but his nose is crooked as though it’s been broken a time or two. He wears designer suits, but he’s covered in tattoos. He looks like he’d be at home in a boardroom. He also looks like he could killa man with his bare hands. He’s a complete contradiction. A hot one.
“I don’t know what you put in those blueberry muffins, but I ate three, and I’m taking the rest home,” he says as he sucks on the tip of his index finger.
My breathing increases, and my nipples bud into points. Good God. Does he realize how sexy he is, or is he blind to what he does to women? When he winks at me and gives me a cocky grin, I giggle and shake my head. The man knows exactly what he’s doing. Bastard.
He sits on the edge of my bed. “Who’s your realtor?”
“Calvin Dunlap,” I answer without thinking. “Why?”
There’s a flutter low in my tummy as I study him. He’s flawless, and here I am, looking like a hot mess express.
“Do you know the guy well?” His voice is tight. Controlled. Too controlled. Is he jealous? The thought shouldn’t thrill me, but my pussy disagrees.
“No. I don’t. He was recommended. I don’t like him very much, but this is all new to me, so I’m just trying to get through it as quickly as possible to pay off my parents’ final hospital bills before the bank tries to come after the business.”
Suddenly, everything feels heavy. My body. My eyes. My heart. I’m tired. So tired. And it’s not my lack of sleep that’s causing it.
As though he senses it, he reaches out and brushes some wild hairs away from my face. “I want you to sleep. Will you be a good girl and do that, or do I need to sit here and make sure you rest?”
I have a feeling he isn’t bluffing.
“I’ll sleep. You need to go to work or something, I’m sure. Wait, do you actually go to work?”
I need to ask Chloe some questions. A whole lot of them because my head is spinning. The mafia? Seriously?
He lets his fingers dwell on the side of my face, his touch settling something inside me. Is it possible for someone to do bad things but still be a good person? I’ve always felt that I’m a good judge of character, and something tells me that Grady is a great man.
“Yes. I do. I have people who report to me. We all have roles. It’s like one enormous business with Declan as the CEO. The other five of us are senior employees. Most of our fathers were in the top six.”
Interesting. He almost makes it seem boring.
“Your father was in the mafia, too?”
Grady looks away, his jaw clenched, pain etched in his features. “Aye. He was.” Then he stands and leans over me, placing his hands on either side of my head. “You need to rest. I’m leaving my card right here on your nightstand next to your phone. Text me when you wake up. Understand?”