Free Wicked Bad Boys by Bella Love-Wins Page A

probably scramble to get out of his grips, and end up falling on my ass again. When he helps me stand up, I’m relatively grateful for the assistance. It’s when he swoops me up into his arms to carry me into the living room that I get bashful. It’s the rock-hard chest I’m leaning into, and the massive arms wrapped around me that I become unavoidably aware of when my dizziness and blurred vision begin to clear.
    I don’t dare tell him I’m still a little dizzy, or he won’t hesitate to cart me off to some hospital nearby to get checked out. I’m also conjuring up all the effort possible to mask my attraction to his insanely masculine energy. The towel is all I have to cover my already hard nipples, but it’s not enough to hide that I’m getting flushed all over. Good thing running, taking a shower and passing out can all explain these rosy cheeks.
    I want to clock him when he tells me he’s getting me some clothes from my room, ordering in, and staying over. That tone he’s taken is not sitting well with me—not one bit. I’m tempted to tell him get the hell out. I don’t bother, because I see in his eyes that he’s not about to take no for an answer. Truth be told, it’s my own damn fault he’s nominated himself as my protector and hero for the night.
    A storm brews in my gut, telling me it’s a really bad idea, but also sending my body into a sensual overload of sorts. I curse under my breath as I get dressed, and my stomach starts to growl its displeasure that I’ve not eaten yet. By the time I shuffle to get my pants on, I’m hungry, wound up, and hoping there’s some silver lining to being forced into close quarters with Jonathan Sloan.
    He calls for delivery and asks me—no, he orders me—to give him my apartment keys, so he can grab something from his car. I use the time to clear my head and figure out the best way forward.
    Maybe this unplanned time will be helpful to Kara’s assignment, somehow.
    There has to be an upside, so I won’t have to feel guilty about the pile of work waiting for me at the office.
    He comes back with two shopping bags and a small workout bag. Setting down the workout bag, he brings me the two shopping bags.
    “This is for you.”
    “What’s in there?”
    “See for yourself.”
    I open the larger bag. It’s a new tablet. “Jonathan. You really didn’t need to replace the tablet. My job will take care of it.”
    “You know, there’s nothing weak about showing a little gratitude. I replaced it because it’s my fault that it fell.”
    “Well, I destroyed that suit of yours, but I didn’t run out and get you a replacement.”
    “I’ll try not to hold that against you. Check the other bag. I had those in my trunk. They go everywhere with me.”
    I look inside and there are three boxes of protein bars—in chocolate, peanut butter banana, and coffee mocha. I’m so hungry I open the box labeled coffee mocha, and rip open a bar. The whole bar is stuffed in my mouth in no time. I barely remember he’s standing in front of me.
    “Um, thanks,” I say. “These are really good.”
    He’s got a broad, entertained smile plastered on his face.
    “What’s so funny?”
    “You’ve got some—oh let me just get it.” He leans down and brushes the side of my mouth with his thumb. “Just a few inconvenient crumbs. No biggie. By the way, that cookie monster puppet character has nothing on you.”
    I’m flushed again from mild embarrassment, but I opt to let it slide. “So what’s in the bag over there?”
    “Getting a little greedy, aren’t you?”
    I roll my eyes. “No, no. I’m just curious.”
    “It’s fresh workout gear. I keep some in my car. I’ll sleep in them tonight.”
    “You know, I’m sure that after I eat I’ll be back to normal. I feel better already just from the protein bar.”
    “Nice try.”
    The intercom buzzer goes off and he answers it. It’s the delivery guy calling from downstairs.
    “Be right back again.”
    I wrack my