Page 171 of Unruly

Catherine’s gaze narrowed. “What does that mean?”

“I’ll take care of it.”

“What is it? And how?”

“Everything.”

Catherine pushed up to sit straight, and then leaned forward. “Keep talking.”

Before she knew what happened, Cross grabbed her waist and pulled her into his lap. She straddled his lap while water and bubbles sloshed over the edge of the tub. She couldn’t even find it in herself to care about the mess they were making when Cross was staring at her.

“You were right,” Cross said. “About everything, I mean.”

Catherine tipped her chin up. “Keep going …”

“This will never happen again, babe.”

He came close enough to kiss her chin.

Then, her cheek.

Finally, her lips.

Catherine stayed still as stone. “And what does that mean?”

“Catherine, stop being difficult.”

She sniffed away her rising emotions.

“Not being difficult, Cross. I would just really like to hear you say it, please.”

“I’m never going to leave you to fend for yourself.”

Catherine let him kiss her cheekbone. “Mmhmm.”

“Or the kids.”

“Better not.”

“And the gunrunning is … done.”

Catherine peered at him through her lashes. “Is that a firm done?”

“Very firm.”

As he said that, he pulled her closer into his lap, making her sex grind into something else that was long, thick, and firm already.

Catherine grinned. “You are terrible.”

“Don’t be mad, babe.”

“I’m not.”

“Not anymore,” he shot back.

Catherine shook her head. “It’s the only defense I have with you, Cross. Everything else is pointless. You always win.”

“Not about winning.”