Page 27 of Unbound

“You’re really tall.” I’m not a tiny woman, but standing this close to Walker sure makes me feel that way. Which has my insides fluttering around like butterflies in a flower garden, looking for the best place to land.

My hands are doing the same, and end up planted right against his chest, fingers splayed across the solid swell of muscle forming each pec. I sigh. “And really strong.”

I could almost swear one corner of Walker’s mouth twitches. “And you’re obviously really tired.” Walker’s large hands settle on my hips, but instead of pulling me closer like I’ve dreamt about, he uses the hold to turn me away before moving me toward the island where I ate breakfast. He kicks one stool out with a booted foot, then pretty much lifts me into the seat before scooting me against the counter. “Sit here and don’t move.”

He turns his back on me yet again, going to the refrigerator where he pulls the door open and begins perusing the contents.

To my credit, I only look at his butt for five seconds before forcing myself to refocus. “Are you always this bossy?”

Walker pulls out a container filled with something yellow and slides it onto the counter before grabbing a loaf of bread from one of the cabinets. “Yes.”

That is… good to know. Probably a fun fact I’ll be thinking about way too often.

I watch as he opens the lid of the container, his long fingers stealing at least ninety-eight percent of my brainpower. “Doesn’t that annoy people?”

“Yup.” Walker drops two slices of bread into the toaster before going to work slicing an orange and red striped tomato. “Does it annoy you?”

“No.” The word is way too breathless, but I’m finding it hard to get enough air as my thoughts spin with images of all the ways Walker could boss me around, and exactly how capable the hands I’m currently fixated on might be.

He chuckles, the sound deep and rich. “Good. Because I’m pretty sure I’m going to have to tell you what to do a lot.”

Can he hear what I’m thinking? No. Definitely not. He’s not even looking at my face, so I’m pretty sure he also hasn’t noticed my flushed cheeks or how hard I’m staring at every move he makes.

While the bread toasts, he pulls a large bottle of water from the refrigerator, cracking the lid before setting it directly in front of me. “Drink that.”

I look over the large amount of liquid. “But I just drank water at Maren’s.”

“For the first time in how long?”

Walker pulls the toast slices free and stacks them on a plate before loading in the second round. He turns to face me, lifting his brows like he’s waiting for my answer.

When I don’t offer one, he huffs out what might be a laugh. “That’s what I thought.”

“I was still thinking.” I twist the cap the rest of the way off, slamming it down on the marble surface before downing a few gulps. “Forgive me for not remembering my hydration schedule when people are trying to kill me.”

“Yet another reason someone needs to be telling you what to do.” Walker scoops a large spoonful of what I’m pretty sure is egg salad onto the toasted bread. “Left to your own devices, I’m pretty sure it would be less trying and more succeeding.”

“And you think you’re going to keep them from succeeding?”

I should probably be more freaked out by that possibility than I am. Maybe it hasn’t really hit me yet. Maybe my serotonin-starved brain is just going on vacation now that it’s finally gotten enough stimulation to calm the fuck down.

I think the more likely answer is that I feel safe with Walker. Like no one can get me while he’s at my side.

“That’s the plan.” Walker layers a few slices of juicy tomato over the egg salad, sprinkling a little salt and pepper over the filling before topping it with a curly leaf of green lettuce and the top piece of bread. He slices it right down the middle and slides it across the counter. “But I have a feeling, you’re going to give me a run for my money.”

9

Walker

The universe must have seen Sybil coming, and it sure knew what it was doing when it made sure Trevor and Tucker were happily paired off before bringing her into the mix. There’s not a doubt in my mind both of my cousins would have done everything they could to gain this woman’s attention.

And it would have been a train wreck.

They’re too high strung. Too wound up. Too reactive. Instead of keeping her from getting hurt, they would’ve inadvertently egged her on. Probably made her even more reckless than she already is.

It’s a stroke of luck my house is where she landed. I’ve never been one to shy away from putting my foot down or telling people what to do. And it’s come in handy over the years. First running McKinley on my own, and then managing the warehouse. Very few people go up against me when I make a demand.

And Sybil is turning out to be one of them.