Page 28 of Nick: His to Claim

But what about the spanking thing? That was a little worrisome. She hadn’t seen any of those TV wives get spanked, but heck, who knew what went on behind the scenes. All those men were old-fashioned, no nonsense kind of guys, just like Nick. She didn’t even want to think about Lucy and Ricky, oh no, let’s not gothere.

Yanking her imagination back to the problem at hand, Maggie worked quietly to free her hair. Finally she managed to get out of bed leaving only a few strands behind. Tip-toeing across the room to the bathroom, she closed the door without waking at him. Other than her bottom being slightly pink and her hair making her look like a wild banshee, there wasn’t a mark on her. Thankfully no hickeys marked her smooth throat, saving her from turtlenecks for the next week. A hickey would beveryhard to explain to her mother.

No, there was not one visibly physical mark to show that she had spent the night being devoured by an insatiable lover. Nothing to show that she lost count of the number of times she came apart in his arms. He’d been gentle and relentless, never taking his pleasure until she was utterly spent. He was exactlythe kind of man she always wanted, and as she got in the shower she wondered for a fleeting moment which of her friends she could get to take him off her hands.

Chapter Ten

The call from Rory came while they were eating breakfast. Jack Harley had been picked up this morning, and Rory wanted to let Maggie and Nick know as soon as possible. They found him drunk and sleeping in his car about two blocks from Maggie’s house.

A shiver went down her spine that had nothing to do with Nick’s supportive arm around her waist as she spoke with her brother. She could tell from the sound of his voice that he wasn’t a happy camper when he asked to speak with Nick.

Maggie could only hear one side of the conversation, but it didn’t take much imagination to figure out what Rory was asking Nick.

“Yes, she’s fine,” Nick answered. “I took care of it. No, I don’t think she’ll do anything so foolish again,” Nick continued, shooting a look at Maggie that had her blushing immediately.

“Yes, I’ll tell her. Keep me informed if anything comes up. Thanks, Rory.”

“Are you and my brother through discussing what a bad girl I’ve been?” Maggie asked sarcastically as she began cleaning up the kitchen.

“For now,” Nick replied. “Although knowing you, I doubt it’s the last time the subject will come up.”

“What did my illustrious brother want you to tell me,” she demanded, hands on her hips, her defiance clear to see.

Nick admired her spirit. Standing there in her silky emerald green robe and bare feet, she thrust her chin out as her hair cascaded down her back. For two cents, he’d spank her rosy ass again and take her back upstairs, but this was serious and he wanted to make sure she understood. In a heartbeat he snaked his arm around her waist and lifted her right off the floor. When they were nose to nose, he looked directly into her amber eyes and delivered Rory’s message.

“He wanted me to tell you that if you ever put yourself or his niece and nephews in danger again, well… he said to tell you, the line forms behind him.”

“Oh,” Maggie gulped as embarrassment swept through her. Her arms crept around his broad shoulders as she buried her face in his neck.

“Oh, Nick,” she sighed weaving her fingers into the hair at the back of his neck. “Why am I such a screw-up?” she moaned.

Before he knew what happened, the moan became a sob, and the sob became a wail. Sweeping her up into his arms, Nick debated where to go with his almost hysterical woman. He decided on the big rocker in the living room, carried her there, and settled her on his lap. Rocking gently, he held her close to his heart and tried to soothe her.

“Sweetheart,” he told her as he tried to keep the smile out of his voice. “Everyone adores you, you know that,” he continued patting her back as she sobbed into his chest. “You’re smart and beautiful. You’re a wonderful mother, a hard worker, loyal, and dependable. I love your spirit and that you don’t back down if you believe you’re right.”

“Then… then why does everyone want to… to… span… spank me?” She pushed herself away from Nick’s chest to look into his eyes as tears dripped down her face.

“Baby, no onewantsto spank you,” he told her, pulling her back against his chest and starting the chair rocking again. “We just want you to be safe and to take care of yourself. I can only speak for myself, but as far as I’m concerned, you never have to have another spanking again.”

Thatgot Maggie’s attention. Sitting up, she wiped the tears from her face.

“Really?” she asked with a look of hope on her face.

“Really,” he assured her, unable to stop his grin.

Maggie sighed in relief and snuggled back into his arms. Nick held her close and kissed the top of her head.

“Wait a minute,” Maggie demanded bolting upright. “Is this a trick?”

“Nope, no tricks,” Nick told her wrapping her in his arms. “I promise never to spank you again. As long as you never lie to me and never do anything to put your health and safety in jeopardy, your sweet little butt is safe from me.”

“Great,” huffed Maggie. “I knew it was a trick. Who gets to decide what’s safe and what isn’t?”

“Me, after we discuss it of course.” Nick calmly stated.

“Oh, of course,”’ she sneered. “Well, it doesn’t matter anyway. We both know what a big fat liar I’ve become, so let’s just say marrying you and getting my butt roasted three times a week isn’t exactly on my bucket list.”

“That’s really too bad, honey, because I have every intention of marrying you. I lost you fifteen years ago, and I have no intention of repeating that mistake,” Nick told her firmly, taking her chin in his hand. She could see the determination in his eyes. “I love you, Maggie. I have always loved you, and I will find a way to prove my love to you.”