Page 43 of Unbound Boxset

She desperately reined her body in tight and managed to speak. “Take your hands off of me.”

“Ah, you’re a talker. I can tell by your eyes you like to hear the words, like a true poet. Let me tell you what I want to do right now.” He held her still and pressed his thumb over her lips in a rough caress. “I’m going to unbutton these jeans and rip off your panties. Turn you around so your naked ass is exposed. Then I’m going to bend you over, thrust inside your wet pussy and make you come so hard you cry my name like a prayer.”

The world spun. She fought like a maniac for some kind of reality, reminding herself he was a common gardener who was looking for a quick lay. Probably had a million diseases. Even worse?

It may be a pure pity screw just to amuse himself. She’d never allow her pride to take such a hit.

Schooling her features into a cool mask, her voice was flicked with ice crystals. “Mr. Wolfe, I want you to leave now.”

“God, you’re cute. Might as well call me Jack.”

“I will not be having sex with my newly hired gardener. I’m not that type of woman.”

His eyes danced with a merry wickedness that made her crave to slap him. “I think that’s exactly your problem. Obviously, you haven’t had an orgasm in a while. Probably why you’re so uptight. Nothing wrong with taking advantage of me while I’m here—I don’t mind.”

“Out. Now. Unless you want me to scream or call the police.”

“Okay.”

Her legs almost buckled with sheer relief at her victory, but then a full male grin transformed his face and he lowered his head. “I’d like to hear you scream. Don’t panic. I promise this won’t hurt a bit.”

Then his mouth took hers.

Julianna didn’t have a chance. It was the Alamo all over again. Warm, capable lips molded perfectly to hers and with one push, his tongue slipped into her mouth. Like a marauding pirate, he conquered and enjoyed his territory, his hot tongue thrusting in and out in a teasing game before he dove deep and claimed his treasure. She tried to move away but his fingers gripped the sides of her head in a gentle pressure and kept her still. Over and over he sipped and explored, learning her taste and texture, luring her deeper into a pool of sensation.

His hands coasted down from her head and dipped into the collar of her shirt to caress her breasts. A moan escaped her lips at the delicious sensation of hard male fingers against her sensitive curves. The fabric of her bra was pushed aside as his thumbs manipulated her nipples in a crazy friction that drove her mad. Her hips arched in demand, her control shredded, and her hands clutched at his naked shoulders and dug her nails deep into solid muscle.

“God, you’re a hellcat masquerading as a mouse.” He caught a whimper from her lips and kissed her deeply. “You’re practically burning up in my arms. Come with me.”

He pulled away, grabbed her hand, and began leading her out the door. To her bedroom.

To her bedroom.

Reality crashed back in and she cried out. Julianna lifted her hands in a half-attempted defense and took a few steps. “Don’t.”

He stopped in his tracks. Slowly turned around. Then cursed under his breath. “I knew I should’ve picked you up. I’m such an ass.”

“I can’t do this.”

One bleached brow lifted. “Why not?”

Julianna shook her head hard and breathed hard. Her body felt painfully irritated, desperate for sexual relief. In a matter of days, her careful barriers were destroyed over her desire for a quickie with a man she wanted but did not respect. The truth stumbled out of her mouth in her desperation for distance.

“There are things you don’t know. I can’t have an affair with someone right now. I’m looking for a serious relationship. I want to get married.”

That threw him for a second or two. “To anyone in particular?” he asked slowly.

“Not yet. But I don’t intend to have an affair when I may meet my husband tomorrow.”

Another hearty laugh escaped him that made her frown. “Love, you may not meet your husband for years. Are you going to lock your body in a prison until then?”

“Don’t call me that,” she snapped. “I’m going to meet him soon and I can’t afford to be distracted.” She dug deep and threw her words like weapons. “You’re a nobody. A common gardener with a hard-on who probably bangs every client you find halfway attractive.” She lifted her chin and her gaze raked over his figure with deliberate mockery. “Sure, you’ve got a great body, but I’m not going to mess up my chances of a real marriage with a real man for a quick screw with you.”

Temper gleamed in his eyes but she forced herself to finish. “I’m going to marry someone with refinement, education, and money. God forbid if anyone found out I indulged in an affair with my handyman. So, do I have to ask you again? Keep your hands off of me, or leave.”

The gloves were off and thrown in the figurative ring. He stared at her hard for a few moments, his face unreadable. Then with a mocking grin, he gave a salute and as if picking up the glove and tucking it in neatly into his pocket. “Yes, ma’am.” He walked with long easy strides right past her and to the door. Then paused.

“I’ll be finished by the end of the week.”