“Oh.” This time she was mollified by his explanation.
“That’s okay, then.” She scooted closer to him, laying her head on his shoulder, brushing her hand gently across his chest. This time, it was Ice who was appeased.#p#分页标题#e#
“Ice, I don’t want your men watching me. I take my safety seriously.”
“Why didn’t you call me when you couldn’t find Bear?”
“What?”
“Why didn’t you call me? You had been looking for over an hour before Raft and Snake showed themselves. Why didn’t you call me?”
Grace seemed confused by his question. “I didn’t think of it, honestly, because I’m used to handling things on my own. That’s what adults do.”
“No, most women in relationships call their partners to ask for help or tell them what’s going on and give them the chance to help, but you didn’t do that.”
“I didn’t think of it that way. The next time something happens, I’ll at least call you to tell you, all right?”
“That’s my baby. But I’m still keeping my men here,” he stated firmly, seeing her anger begin to rise again. “You’re my woman, and this is going to be the way it is. My woman does not get upset. My woman does not get hurt. And my woman does not almost get hit by a car.
“My club has enemies. I don’t broadcast that you’re my woman, but it would be easy for my movements to be tracked, and they would find out. My woman will not be in danger because of my club. So as long as you’re my woman, there will be two men sitting in front of your door when I’m not here. If you keep arguing with me, I’ll spank your bottom until it’s red. They will still be sitting in front of your door when I leave in the morning.”
“I don’t believe in domestic discipline,” Grace said angrily.
“What the fuck does…? You mean me spanking you?”
“Yes! That’s what that term refers to,” she said haughtily.
“Fuck, that’s one term you use I actually like. Domestic discipline… domestic discipline.” He let the words roll off his tongue.
“Oh, be quiet.” She moved away from him, giving him her back.
Ice reached out and turned off the lamp. Then he adjusted his pillow before staring up at the ceiling in the dark, letting the tension leave his body. His baby scooted toward him, still with her back turned until she was touching him. He had noticed that, whenever he slept with her, she liked to feel his body touching hers. Ice thought it gave her a sense of security to know he was lying next to her. He wondered how she slept the nights he didn’t come to town.
He rolled over, putting his arm around her waist and pulling her back against him. Closing his eyes, he remembered tossing and turning last night in his empty bed at the clubhouse. She wasn’t the only one who felt more secure when they were together.
* * *
Grace slipped out of bed quietly when the sun woke her early, turning off her alarm before it could ring. She didn’t want to wake Ice. He had told her the previous evening that he would be able to stay the day with her. She only had a morning class today, and then they would be able to go for a ride.
The sky outside promised a sunny day. She was looking forward to spring being just around the corner.
Grace closed the bathroom door, starting the shower. She used the restroom then took off her pajamas, tossing them into the hamper before stepping into the shower, enjoying the warmth of the water.
She loved her shower. It was large with tan tiles, giving it a spa atmosphere.
She washed her hair, leaning her head back as she rinsed out the shampoo. When she leaned her head forward, she saw a large figure standing there. A gargled scream escaped her as she cowered against the shower wall.
“Grace! Stop. It’s me!” Ice’s voice broke through her sudden terror.#p#分页标题#e#
Gasping, she placed her hand on the shower wall. When Ice reached for her, pulling her close, she shuddered against him, letting the fear leave her.
“Okay now?” Ice rubbed her back. “I wanted to take a shower with you, but since you’re finished, you can help me.”
He handed her the body wash from the small shelf. It took her a couple of tries before she managed to open the top and squirt some into her hand. Putting the bottle back on the shelf, she rubbed the wash into his skin as her hands explored his flesh. Her mind turned away from the dark memories of her past to the living, breathing man standing in front of her, his hard body giving her the control she often felt she didn’t have.
She pushed him gently back, farther under the running water, letting it rinse the soap away. Her mouth then went to his chest, sliding across until her lips touched his nipple. She sucked it into her mouth, surprised when it hardened.