The Lair

by Lisina Coney

“Careful, boss man. I might start thinking you tolerate me after all.” “I more than tolerate you, Allie.”

I’m trying. I’m really trying. But it’s like my boss—this older, grumpy, ex-military man with an intimidating exterior but a heart of gold—wants me to fall in love with him. And I’m not convinced that I won’t.

“You’re safe now, sweetheart. I’m not gonna let anything happen to you.”

“You have no idea, do you?” One of his hands hikes its way up, up, up, until the weight of his fingers settles on the nape of my neck. Fingers that start kneading my skin softly, as if he’s scared to break me. My lips part at the possessive gesture. “You have no idea what you do to me. Do you, sweetheart?”