Can't Touch This (Can't Touch This #1)

Scar licked his hand.

Rubbing my lower back, I said, “He’s all done and I’ve given him a dose of Metacam which is an anti-inflammatory and painkiller. He’ll be feeling pretty happy right about now.”

“That’s great.” Ryder stood. “In that case, time to show his highness his throne for the night and then, I want to show you something, too.”

My heart skipped as Ryder patted his thigh. “Come on, boy. Your night of decadence isn’t over yet.”

Scar hauled himself up with a war-weary groan. He took a few strides to become flexible enough to walk without stumbling.

I wrapped my arms around myself as I followed the two males from the kitchen, through the partially renovated foyer with its gorgeous wood panelling and cobwebbed chandelier, and up the elegant sweeping wide staircase.

Halfway up, Scar stopped mid-step, coughing and gasping, trying to catch his breath.

Instead of making a big deal out of it, Ryder scooped up the solid muscle and carried the killing machine up the final steps and into a room off the hall.

Once again, my heart tied itself up with string and swooned.

Stepping into Ryder’s bedroom, I slammed to a stop. “Oh my God, Ry.”

He looked over his shoulder as he carried the pooch to the window seat. The space could’ve easily fit four people to watch the gardens below. Scattered cushions and fluffy towels littered the horse-shoe shape.

It was a bed fit for royalty (man or beast) with a sheet propped up with two chairs to create a tent/den. A large water bowl, another bowl full of a second dinner, a pink rabbit toy, a long piece of jerky, and a brand-new green tennis ball rounded off the boudoir.

Placing Scar down, the dog immediately wagged his tail so hard his body jiggled. He beelined straight to the doggy tent of heaven and plonked himself down in a cloud of cushions with the biggest grin on his face.

Ignoring his breathlessness, he scooped up the tennis ball and chewed.

I couldn’t stop myself. Coming up behind Ryder, I wrapped my arms around his waist. “What you just did makes you the best person I know.”

He swivelled in my arms. “The best, huh?”

I nodded, forcing myself to smile even though sadness sat heavy from the evening’s prognosis. “One hundred percent. The best. My favourite person to date.”

His hands came up, capturing my cheeks in a possessive hold. “That’s only because you’ve only known me a few days.”

I shook my head. “I’ve known you a few months and admittedly most of them were spent trying to avoid your high-handed commands but now…now I truly see you.”

He gasped dramatically, pressing his forehead against mine. His hazel eyes captured me, full of seriousness even as he chuckled. “Oh, no. My secrets are out. How can I get into your pants now you know the real me? I thought all attractive men were supposed to bark orders and be so alpha they carried a riding crop in their back pocket to keep their harem in line.”

“I must admit a riding crop sounds interesting.” My lips tingled as he brushed his ever so lightly over mine. “However, I prefer a man who has a heart.”

“How do you know I have one?”

I laughed. “You’re right. I think you might have two with the generosity you give.”

He rolled his eyes. “Compliments make me nauseous.”

I laughed, pulling my face from his grip. Pressing my ear against his chest, I listened to the solid thump-thump of his beating organ. “Ah, my mistake; you only have one. I take your generosity factor back.”

“Thank hell for that.” His fingers twined in my hair, tugging my head back and kissing me.

The kiss started simple and thoughtless—as if we’d kissed a million times before. But it swiftly turned deeper and hotter, reaching inside me and systematically melting my insides and heating my blood at the same time.

Walking me backward to the only piece of furniture in the room, he didn’t stop until I tumbled onto his bed. The soft puff of black sheets billowed as I fell. However, I wasn’t allowed to rest. Ryder continued to push me as I crawled backward, scooting my butt higher as he climbed over me on his hands and knees.

He never stopped kissing me.

I never stopped kissing him.