Page 92 of Love Bomb

“And you have abandonment issues.” He grinned at her. “We’re perfect for each other.”

He hurt her head.

If the sex wasn’t so good, she would consider dumping him.

Liar, a small voice whispered within her.

She suspected it belonged to the teenage hussy who still had a mammoth crush on Bain.

“I don’t know what to think about this,” Rona confessed.

“It’s easy,” Bain said. “Only time will reassure you that we’re in a relationship. In a month or two, when you look up and notice I’m still there, it will all fall into place. In the meantime, try not to think about it and just enjoy the sex.” He gave her a stern, intense look. “Which will get better, I promise. I’m not usually so…speedy. I can go all night, baby.” He flashed a smile that was somewhere between sexy and manic.

She shook her head because he made no sense at all. If the sex got any better, she’d be comatose.

“I don’t understand why I can’t I come to the lab with you,” Rona said as they pulled up in front of the hotel.

“Because you can’t be trusted to behave,” Bain said. “Especially around explosives. You’d ask too many questions, tamper with stuff you shouldn’t touch, and generally make a pest of yourself. I need a couple of hours of peace so I can concentrate on prepping for tonight’s job instead of worrying that you’ll blow us both up.”

Rona huffed. “What if I’m really, really quiet?”

“I hear pigs would fly under those circumstances.” Bain popped her seatbelt, leaned over her, and threw the passenger door wide open. “See you at my place at dinner time. Can you get Dougal to pack some takeaway for you, me, and my brothers? Now, go have a nice shower and you’ll feel much better.”

“You’re lucky I’m too tired to get mad,” Rona said as she climbed out of the truck. “But I reserve the right to get annoyed about this at some random point in the future.”

He grinned widely at her, making her feel a little dazed at the sight. Bloody man was far too good looking for his own good.

“Don’t forget the food,” Bain called as she slammed the truck door shut.

With a grump, Rona stomped her way into the hotel.

To avoid the busy pub and restaurant, she entered through the hotel entrance and headed for the stairs. A shower sounded good. And a little nap wouldn’t hurt either. Between a night spent dealing with a crying baby and a day spent in bed with Bain, she was wiped out.

She was just passing the reading nook beside the reception desk when a voice called out.

“Rona, there you are.”

Her heart sank and she turned to see her father, reading a newspaper beside the fireplace. He quickly folded it and placed it on the side table before striding toward her. As usual, he was dressed in a suit and tie. Which explained why he was hugging the fire.

“Father,” Rona said, glancing around, in case her mother was lurking too.

Thankfully, she was nowhere to be seen.

“We’ve been trying to get hold of you,” her father said with a frown. “You haven’t been in your room.”

“I’ve been busy,” Rona said.

The frown deepened. “Please tell me you aren’t still going ahead with your plan to destroy the folly. When are you going to come to your senses? My father never intended for you to keep his bequest. Isn’t it time you grew up and behaved sensibly?”

At his words, something strange happened within Rona. Usually, she’d try to defend herself with pointless reasoning that he never listened to anyway. Or worse, she’d sink into herself and feel ashamed that she’d upset him again. This time, she felt neither of those things.

It was as though the emotional connection was suddenly missing. She almost felt like she was looking at a stranger. Someone who’d hurt her repeatedly over the years with his callous disregard.

Suddenly, there were things she wanted to say to the man. Things that had nothing to do with making him change. But had everything to do with the fact she’d changed.

“You know, I’ve been thinking that too,” Rona said, standing straighter. “It is definitely time I realized I’m a grown up.”

“I’m pleased to hear it.” He oozed self-righteousness.