Bowles, Jan - In Debt to the Dom [Guilty Pleasures 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) by Jan Bowles Page A

circumstances we find ourselves in—why we would get intense pleasure from each other. I mean, you hate me, and I don’t really know anything about you. You’re virtually a stranger.”
    “I don’t hate you, Maddie. I’m disappointed, that’s all. As for me being a stranger, perhaps we should remedy that. I’m doing some shooting tomorrow. You’re welcome to come with me.”
    “Maybe.”
    “Good. Last night, you found some of your inner self. All those fantasies you’ve kept hidden inside you. I just brought them to the surface. And because I took all the responsibility, you don’t have any of the guilt.”
    “I suppose, only…” She finished her sandwich and took a swig from the bottle.
    “If there’s something you want to discuss, then say it now. I don’t think we should have any secrets.”
    “I’m scared, Keaton. What if you did something I absolutely hated? Would you stop? Having stolen an awful lot of money, I know I haven’t got much power, but…”
    Her eyes looked huge, and he felt the same emotions as when he’d dominated her into submission last night. They swamped his senses, making him feel very protective of her. He wanted to soothe her fears away.
    “I know it sounds crazy given the type of relationship we have, but you’re just going to have to trust me on this one.” If she didn’t get any enjoyment from it, then he knew deep down that he would stop. Though, from what she said, he realized he hadn’t reached her sexual limits yet.
    She stared at him for a moment, digesting what he’d said. “But you don’t trust me .”
    “You know why.”
    After picking up some stones, she stood. “You’ll be pleased to know the house sale is progressing. As soon as I get the money, I’ll wire it to your account. It shouldn’t be more than a fortnight. Tops.”
    “Fine.” He wondered what she would do when she left here. “Where will you go afterwards?”
    “I have the urge to visit Cannes. There’s someone I need to see.”
    “I don’t suppose you’ll be making it a long visit.”
    “No.” She cast a stone into the water. “It will be the last time I see my sister. I’ll make it a reunion to remember always.”
    Her words were laced with intent, and he knew she was seething inside. He almost felt sorry for her, but not quite. Two wrongs didn’t make a right. She and her sister, Simone, were like two peas in a pod, out for everything they could get. Well, criminals often came to blows with one another when there was a lot of money involved.
    Just as she cast another stone into the creek, she stumbled forward, almost falling into the water. She held her hands to her head. “God, I feel dizzy.”

Chapter Eight

    Keaton took hold of her arm and sat her back down on the rock. Her head pounded, and it was hard to focus. He cupped her chin and looked down into her face.
    “Look at me,” he ordered.
    Returning his gaze was difficult; he seemed all blurred and fragmented. A hissing noise sounded in her ears, making her head spin. She gripped a hand to her forehead. “I guess I overdid it with the sunbathing.”
    “You’ve probably got heatstroke. Drink some more water.” He opened the bottle and handed it to her. “You must be dehydrated. Now do you see why you should take water with you at all times?”
    Feeling suitably chastised, she nodded and sipped obediently from the bottle. The white shirt he wore fluttered in the breeze as he stared at her. He looked so manly in his jeans and black cowboy hat—so incredibly powerful, masculine, and strong. Feeling a little intimidated, she turned away from his striking blue gaze. He simply excited the hell out of her.
    After a few minutes, he said matter-of-factly, “We need to get you back to the ranch. Let’s see if you can stand.”
    When she stood, her legs gave way and she fell into his arms as the dizziness returned. “I’ll be all right in a minute.”
    “No. You’ll have to ride with me. If you refuse to eat and drink