Her Very Strict Captain by Carpenter, Maggie (best book club books of all time TXT) 📗

less corporate, and Scott,” she added, punching him in the arm, “you scared the crap out of me jumping into that shaft.”

“Why? You knew the airbag was down here. It was your idea!”

“It was still scary.”

“That was genius, Lizzy,” Danny interjected. “How did you come up with it?”

“I went out with a stuntman and I watched him do some falls. It was a no-brainer. Scott, can we go home, or do you have to supervise the search?”

“Give me a minute and I’ll be able to answer that question,” he said, reaching for his phone and ambling into the wine cellar.

He already knew they could leave, but Elizabeth and Danny needed a moment alone.

* * *

“For a Navy SEAL, he’s a sensitive guy,” Danny remarked, a wry grin curling his lips.

“Don’t let him hear you say that,” Elizabeth whispered with a giggle.

“Do you think he’d mind if I gave my long-lost first love a hug?”

“I think that’s why he left.”

“I’m so proud of you, Lizzy,” Danny murmured as he brought her into his arms. “When I watched you at the mansion, I hated that you were there, but you were amazing. Uh, Lizzy, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Okay,” she said, pulling back.

“Before I had a chance to bring it up, Scott asked me if I wanted to be on his team. I know you liked the idea, but before I accept I need to make sure it won’t be weird for you.”

“Not at all. What about you?”

“When I first saw you and Scott together, I did feel a pang, but it’s gone. You two are a great fit. It makes me happy to see how you sparkle when you look at him.”

“I sparkle?”

“Oh, yeah, you sparkle and he melts.”

“He does not.”

“Trust me, he does.”

“You said you’d met someone as well. Can you tell me about her?”

“Roxy, she’s cool,” Dan said, smiling as he pictured her. “Once I get my head cleared and my body rested, I’ll be jumping in with both feet.”

“That’s great, except… I’m suddenly feeling emotional. I really am happy for you, I am.”

“Hey, it’s only natural. You’ve had a crazy time, and now Conchello’s reign of terror is over, and you found Scott. Relief and joy. Of course you feel emotional.”

“And I’m so happy you’re back and free and you can be yourself again.”

“Amen to that,” Danny said with a heavy sigh.

“Okay, Danny,” Scott declared, walking back into the room, “there’s a car waiting to take you to Gallows Bay, and the reservation’s been made. You’ve got two days on the company.”

“Hey, thanks, man.”

“You’d better get out of here before Frank calls and says he’s changed his mind.”

“I’m going, I’m going,” Danny exclaimed with a chuckle as he headed for the door. “Bye, Lizzy.”

“Bye, Danny, and call Roxy before you disappear,” she yelled after him.

“Will do,” he yelled back with a wave of his hand.

“I don’t think he needed that reminder,” Scott said, shaking his head.

“Yeah, he did. Men can be clueless sometimes.”

“Is that right?”

“Yeah,” she said with a laugh. “So—can we go too?”

“Sure can. I have people to do the heavy lifting,” he said, dropping his arm around her shoulders as they started to leave through the wine cellar. “I just got some great news. Jack took over the encampment without firing a single shot.”

“That’s fantastic.”

“Yep, apparently there were about a dozen guys there. They’ll be transported to St. Thomas in the morning. Tomorrow will be crazy.”

“I’m sure, but good crazy, not ‘we could get killed’ crazy.”

Stepping outside and into the cool night air, they stared up at the myriad stars in the ebony sky. Taking a breath, he wrapped her into his arms.

“Elizabeth, you know I’m going to marry you one of these days.”

“Only if I say yes.”

A grin curled his lips. “Damn, girl, you so need to be spanked.”

“Why?”

“You just do.”

* * *

The moment Scott walked into his home, he grabbed Elizabeth’s hand and hurried up the stairs.

“I’m desperate for a shower,” he exclaimed, leading her straight into the bathroom and hastily removing her clothes.

“Aren’t you tired?” she asked, giggling as she watched him strip.

“Hell, yeah, I’m tired,” he replied, bustling her into the stall and turning on the faucets, “but I’m still wired.”

“Me too, and really happy.”

“You’re about to get a whole lot happier,” he declared, pinning her arms against the wall.

As he lowered his mouth to her neck, she slid her fingertips down his body, wrapped her hand around him, and urgently stroked his stiffening cock.

“Easy, girl,” he whispered.

“I don’t want to take it easy.”

He smiled down at her. “Is that right?”

“Uh-huh,” she replied, tightening her grip as she continued to move her hand up and down his shaft.

“You’ve got three seconds to turn around and put your hands on the wall,” he growled, releasing her wrists. “One, two—”

Though she’d been staring up at him with mischief in her eyes, she quickly pivoted on her toes, pressed her palms against the slick tile, and arched her back. Landing a quick slap, he pushed his rigid rod between her slippery thighs, and pressed his fingers against her clit. With the hot water splashing over them, he vigorously rubbed the sensitive nub until she was gasping.

“You’re driving me crazy,” she whimpered breathlessly as he stopped the delicious torment to fondle her breasts and tweak her nipples.

“You love every second,” he muttered in her ear, “and if you deny it I’ll spank you for lying.”

“I do, but it still drives me crazy.”

“Have you ever had a bath brush swat your wet ass?”

“No, and I don’t want—”

“Careful…”

“Uh, no, I haven’t.”

“Perhaps you need to.”

“If you, uh, think so.”

“Try again,” he ordered sternly.

“Ooh, yes, please, Sir.”

“Close your eyes and don’t move.”

* * *

Her heart racing, Elizabeth heard Scott step from the stall and quickly return. Holding her breath, she waited for the hard wooden brush to crack against her skin, but a soft, foamy sponge began slithering across her body. As he smoothed it over her puckered nipples and around her