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They sat there for a few more minutes in companionable silence. The longer he rocked and enjoyed his beer, the more today’s tension left him.

He turned to study her profile. “I might have to grab myself a rocking chair for my cabin. Only, it won’t have the view this porch swing has.” Not only of the large pond, but of Vi.

“You’re welcome to use this swing anytime. The porch isn’t off-limits to my team.”

But was she? “‘Preciate that.”

Keeping her gaze directed toward the moonlit pond, she asked, “Why do you hide your southern accent? I can pick it up every once in a while.”

That was quite the topic change. “I don’t purposely hide it. I’m not embarrassed by it or anything. I was originally born in Georgia, but when I was about ten, my father’s job transferred him up north. Eventually, the accent began to fade.” He had also wanted to blend in while attending school near Philly. Having a southern accent would’ve made him stand out. Maybe even made him a target for bullies.

Even at a young age, he had zero tolerance for bullies and most likely would’ve got into so many damn scraps, he would’ve ended up expelled.

“If I’m really tired or I’m around others with a similar accent, it tends to creep back into my speech.” He glanced over to see her staring at him.

“It’s kind of hot.”

“Are you saying I should play up my twang in hopes of getting lucky?”

She paused the bottle halfway to her mouth. “Did you want to get lucky?”

“I already did when you hired me. Couldn’t ask for a better job.”

“Or boss?”

He snorted. “Sure.”

To try his luck, it was time to put his southern accent to the test.

Chapter Three

“Golly, sure is a pretty night,” Reaper murmured in a deep southern accent, ripping the baseball cap off his head, thwacking it against his thigh, then hanging it over his knee.

Was he trying to turn up the heat on an already muggy night? If he started crooning out a song, she might not be able to avoid orgasming.

“Guessin’ those bullfrogs would make some good eatin’.”

Never mind. Orgasm easily avoided and she fought her gag reflex instead.

He snorted and lifted his beer to his lips.

Vi watched his Adam’s apple lift and fall in his corded neck as he swallowed.

She quickly turned to face the pond when he glanced over at her.

“How long have y’all been livin’ here on the farm?”

Oh yes, he was putting it on thick. Teasing her. She was surrounded by bikers who spoke sloppy English and dropped their Gs. Because, of course, speaking like a civilized human was hard work.

But Reaper had never done the same in her presence before.

Despite the frog legs disgust, his deep voice combined with his Georgian accent was admittedly delicious.

Her pussy also agreed.

“Once my grandfather passed, he left the property to me and my sisters. We combined our resources and did any renovations Ace hadn’t had done yet.”

“I reckon that cost a pretty penny.”