“You shouldn’t drink too much coffee, it will stunt your growth.”
“Wolfe, I’m already fully grown.”
“You’re tiny. You need to put some weight on. And some muscle.”
Aleki leaned against the counter, drinking water and watching her.
Seriously. Those tiny shorts ought to be illegal.
He was smooth. Strong. Sumptuous.
And she wanted to lick him all over. He bent down to pull a bottle of water from the fridge and her mouth went dry. She swallowed. She’d started to pour her coffee, but in her distraction didn’t notice that she was missing the cup. Hot coffee landed on her hand and she cried out in pain.
“Shit, baby girl!” Aleki leaped for her, grabbing her hand.
Tears gathered in her eyes. He led her over to the sink and turned on the water.
“Damn it, how bad is it?” Wolfe asked urgently. “I’ll call Obian.”
“No, I don’t need a doctor. It’s not that bad,” she said hastily.
Aleki narrowed his gaze as he studied her. “It looks red and sore. Won’t hurt for Obian to look at it.”
Wolfe nodded and left the room.
“It’s just a small burn, Aleki. It’s not important.” She tried to pull her hand back then jumped in fright as he popped her on the bottom.
“Stay there,” he warned. “And everything about you is important. Understand?”
Warmth filled her at his words.
“Especially your health and safety.”
“I’ve called him, he’ll be here in ten,” Wolfe said, returning to the room. “I knew you shouldn’t have any more coffee. No more pouring your own coffee.”
She looked up at Aleki for some support. He just shook his head. “Wolfe, can you see if there is some burn cream in the First-Aid kit in the bathroom?”
“On it.”
“He’s going to fuss, isn’t he?” she asked.
Aleki’s lips twitched. “Yep.”
She tried to draw her hand back, the water was freezing cold.
Aleki gave her two sharp slaps on her ass. “Stay still.”
“Ouch. You don’t have to spank me. I’m already hurt.”
“And your hand will hurt worse if you move it too soon from the water,” he told her. “Now, stay where you are until I say you can move.”
She sighed but stayed there until Wolfe returned with the First-Aid kit.
Aleki lightly patted the burn on the top of her hand as Wolfe went through the kit, searching for burn cream. A chime sounded through the house, startling her.
“It’s all right,” Aleki said soothingly. “It’s just someone at the front door. It will be Obian.”
Caleb walked into the room, looking worried. “What’s going on?”