Pinch of Naughty by Gem Sivad Read Free Book Online Page B

in his chest.
    “Eleanor, bring the coffee and come in here.” Sounds had died down in the kitchen and Cyrus gave up work, ready for another round with Eleanor.
    She came through the door carrying a plate of cookies, balancing two mugs in the crook of her arm with the pot in the other hand.
    “Sit down. We have business to discuss.” The cookies and coffee startled him. It had been some time since anyone had fixed a snack for him. His throat tightened, making his voice gruffer than he intended.
    She paused by him, carefully setting the coffeepot down, followed by the plate of cookies. Then she placed a mug next to him, filled it and headed for the other end of the table.
    “Stop,” he ordered her.
    She turned, her eyebrows signaling a question.
    “Sit.” He pointed at the chair next to him.
    “If the next command is roll over, when do you want me to bark?” Eleanor’s eyes took on a militant gleam.
    “Dammit, sit down.” She’s got her voice back. His lips twitched in an almost smile.
    “Yes, Mr. Burke.” She returned to the chair next to him, pulling it out with mock humility.
    “You’re just itchin’ to tell me off, aren’t you?”
    “Your poor excuse for manners calls it forth.” She spoke firmly, her chin raising just enough to telegraph her superiority.
    “You’ll need to move whatever clothes you have into my room. I don’t figure on chasing you down every time I want to fuck.” He ignored her etiquette lesson and got right to the point. Last night’s one ride and I’m done attitude wasn’t going to work. He scowled at her, daring her to object.
    “You want me to sleep with you in your bedroom—in your bed?” She shook her head, looking astonished.
    “No, I planned on fixing you up with a pallet by the fireplace, chaining you there and having my way with you from time to time.”
    Cyrus studied her appalled expression, as if she believed he really might shackle her to the wall. Exasperated, he said, “Yes, I want you in my bed—all night.”
    “No.” Her jaw was squared and there was no give in Mrs. Lacey’s expression.
    “Yes.” Cyrus leaned closer, daring her to refuse again.
    “Mr. Burke. Every servant is entitled to limited privacy. As a member of your staff, I am no different. I prefer to maintain my own living quarters.”
    “You sleep with me.” He squinted at her, daring her to argue.
    “I will report for night duty,” she agreed in flat tones, holding his gaze stubbornly. “But I will leave when my work is completed. This point in our agreement is nonnegotiable.”
    “When I’m done, Eleanor, if you have the strength to crawl out of bed, have at it. But that means when I’m finished. Like I said, I don’t plan on chasing you down every time I want between your thighs.”
    “You are crude but your message is understood. Of course, Mr. Burke.” Martyred resignation coated her capitulation. She folded her hands on the table as though waiting for his next point of discussion.
    “All night. In my bed. Whatever I want.” The more she made it clear she wanted no part of sleeping with him, the more determined Cyrus was to make it so. And that graveled him since the other women coming and going could have slept in the barn for all he’d cared.
    Her jaw was rigid and unspoken curses flashed from her eyes but she remained silent and from that, Cyrus knew Eleanor had something else on her mind.
    He didn’t relax or make the god-awful mistake of thinking he’d won. In little more than a day, Mrs. Lacey had invaded his kitchen, enthralled his crew, claimed his house and mesmerized his cock.
    He bided his time, enjoying the show. Her cheeks were rosy from the heat of the kitchen making her eyes seem an even darker violet color. Wisps of blonde hair escaping the neat bun at her nape teased him.
     
    “We need to discuss my contract with Mable.” Eleanor tried to hold his gaze but he seemed more interested in her hair.
    “I’m not interested. You have a deal with me. I