Page 50 of Tormented & Tulips

My eyes narrow at the thought of her putting herself at risk.

“Who made them?” I’ll kill them tomorrow for my own peace of mind.

“Don’t worry. I know the guy. He has no idea what they’re actually being used for.”

I nod, though, I still don’t like the idea that she’s effectively tied herself to my work.

“Thank you,” I say, tapping the hinge in my hand. Reaching over, I take the remaining hinges from her and nod. I’m not exactly thrilled that I haven’t tested them prior to this moment, but I trust her judgment. She’s found yet another way to break my routine.

“You better get going before the rain turns this entire area into a mudslide.” Turning my back on her, I kneel and place the hinges in my tool bag.

“Oh no. I’m not going anywhere. I have some questions.”

Of course, she has questions. Big, messy questions that I have neither the time nor the patience for. She doesn’t hesitate or allow me to respond before the first question is lodged at me.

“Why did you outbid me at the auction?” She walks under the truss covering and peers at Dennis. Her head tilts to the side before she kneels, bringing her face eye level with the mush that used to be his face. Her nose scrunches in the most adorable way, and I can tell she isn’t a fan of my smash-and-grab work.

“I’m not answering that question right now. Try a different one,” I say, careful not to let the giddiness sound in my voice.

She casts me a vitriolic glare, sending blood straight to my cock. She looks back at Dennis, and I take the moment to adjust myself.

“What are you going to do to him?”

I shake my head at the ridiculous question and walk over to the post. Using my arm, I gently move her to the side and step onto the railing so I can prepare the crossbeam.

“I’m going to pose him in a position worthy of the accolades he deserves,” I say, reaching over the crossbeam.

When she doesn’t respond, I look down to find her biting her lip, arms crossed. The way she occasionally presses her lips together tells me she’s holding back a comment—one I’m sure would have my cock throbbing for her touch.

I finish preparing the crossbeam and step down from the railing. Stopping in front of her, I hook a finger under her chin, lifting her face to mine. Her stubborn eyes remain downcast, which has me chuckling.

“Hey!”

Her eyes snap to mine, full of uncertainty. Running my thumb along her lower lip, I tug it free from her teeth. Her wet lip glistens in the moonlight. I run my thumb across it, mesmerized by the ideas of what I could do to that pouty mouth. My lips tip up when the pad of my thumb brushes a rough patch—a result of her mindless chewing.

“What are your other questions?” I ask, lowering my hand to slide it along her jaw and cup her cheek.

“I know you’re going to position him up there, but…what’s the pattern going to be?” Her hand falls gently on my wrist as she dips her head—a shyness I haven’t seen before.

My lips twitch at the thought of her trying to understand my vision.

“It’s a surprise,” I say, stepping back, letting my hand fall. Walking over to Dennis, I lift his wrist and turn his arm in the light, assessing the best point of access to place the drill. The direction of the moonlight makes it difficult. However, after a few manipulations, I hone in on the perfect spot. Holding my finger to the location, I reach down to grab the drill.

“So, what’s the plan? I guess you’re going to drill through the joint, but are you going to…do this”—she moves her arms in a way which can only be described as mimicking the Egyptian petroglyphs—“or like…this…” She raises her arms like a goalpost, then lets her hands fall, fingers dangling as they swing in the air.

Dropping Dennis’s arm, I stand.

“Did I disrupt you while you were working?” I raise my arms and let them drop to my side. Her outburst, while adorable, is distracting to say the least. “No. I remained quietly at a distance, respectfully giving you space to accomplish your vision and let your creativity flow freely. I even let you sing your little song. What movie is that from by the way? I had that tune stuck in my head for a week!”

Her eyes widen to the size of saucers.

“You heard that?” Her lips purse again, her embarrassment on display.

“Of course, I heard it. Quite catchy. You even did a little twirl.” Raising my hand, I twirl my finger in a circle.

She buries her face in her hands, turning away from me.

“Cinderella,” she groans through her fingers in a whisper.