Unprotected: A Cinderella Secret Baby Romance (69th St. Bad Boys Book 4) Read online

  The dark man looked at me like I couldn’t be serious. But I nodded seriously.

  “Believe it or not, there are a couple pet owners who prefer their dogs to eat vegan. So SciencePlus just put out a new type of dog food formulated from lentils and sweet potatoes. It’s supposed to taste just like meat.”

  The dark man snorted like he couldn’t believe his ears.

  “Bowzer’s a pit bull,” came his drill reply. “I think we’ll pass on the vegan treats.”

  My smile was understanding.

  “Just wanted to make sure you knew. Follow me, please.”

  And with that, I spun on one heel, walking briskly to Aisle Three.

  “Here it is,” I gestured to a vast array of foods, stacked from floor to ceiling, every kind possible.

  “Let me know if you need anything else,” were my breezy words, and then I was gone.

  “Thanks,” his deep voice called after me. “Thanks a million.”

  So maybe there was some sarcasm there. Maybe this wasn’t a guy who appreciates vegan doggie meals and animal treats fortified with goji berries and quinoa. But hey, canines can be like humans. Or more accurately, humans are humans no matter what, and pet owners can be picky parents.

  So I waltzed off, cheeks still slightly pink. Hopefully, I’d redeemed myself with my encyclopedic knowledge of dog food. Ha. Hardly. More like the alpha thought I was a nitwit who talked to much, a total nincompoop when it came to men.

  Because it’s true actually. I’m a virgin so my experience with the male sex isn’t exactly extensive. It’s close to zero. That time with Marty Jenkins doesn’t count because I couldn’t bear to let him get within two inches of me, even though he tried.

  “Come on,” Marty pleaded, stinking hot breath blowing in my face. The guy had had garlic with dinner, and didn’t know to brush afterwards.

  “No Marty,” I said, batting his hands away. “We’re supposed to be studying, not doing this.”

  “Doing what?” he whined. “I’m not even doing anything, you won’t let me!”

  Exactly. And that’s how things were gonna stay. Slamming my book shut, I stood.

  “Marty this isn’t going to work. We can’t be study partners anymore,” I announced.

  The adolescent boy leaned back in his seat, picking at those yellowed teeth. I couldn’t help but notice he had a dark brown cavity on his left incisor, rotted and painful-looking.

  But the teenage boy was done with me as well. He sneered.

  “You’re never gonna be vet,” came those nasty words. “You got years and years ahead of you, girl. And this class? On animal physiology? Please, you’re never going to pass.”

  My ears burned, face growing red. It’s true I was only at step one of a multi-phase process. But why did he have to belittle my goals? I’d make it, someday.

  “Don’t say that,” came my stiff words, picking up my book bag. “Don’t even talk to me anymore.”

  Marty guffawed again.

  “Don’t worry,” he sneered. “I won’t. You’re just a tease Maggie, walking around in that tight sweater. Not worth it at all,” he huffed angrily.

  My mouth dropped open. The sweater wasn’t tight! It was just a plain cotton crewneck from the Gap.

  But that’s how my body is. Every top highlights my girls, the luscious Double Ds unstoppable, jiggly and soft, curving generously. But what were my options? To wear a garbage bag? Swath myself in a sheet?

  So I didn’t even dignify his comment with an answer. Lips pressed in a tight line, I swept out of the library, head held high. I wasn’t gonna let a loser like Marty get to me.

  But everything with Bowzer’s owner was different. That blue gaze roaming over my curves sent sizzles down my spine. I’d gone hot and then cold and then hot again, unlike the constant creepy crawly feeling in Marty’s presence.

  And suddenly, the alpha reappeared at my shoulder.

  “What else do you think I should get?” came that deep-throated growl.

  Oh my god! I'm such an idiot. I’d been standing there in the middle of the aisle, lost in a daydream. Specifically, a fantasy about this man right here. So I looked up, brown eyes wide.

  “Um, what do you have on hand again?”

  A perfect black eyebrow quirked.

  “Nothing at all,” he drawled, the corner of his lip curving upwards.

  Right, right. I’d forgotten.

  “Oh, okay,” came my stammer. “Well, why don't you take the bag to the register and I'll grab some other things for you while you’re waiting? It’s no trouble. “

  I blushed again, hoping he didn’t notice. But of course, that azure gaze missed nothing. Sweeping over my frame, another smile pulled at the corner of his lips.

  “Sure thing,” he rumbled. “We’ll just be over here. Come on Bowzer.”

  And with that, master and pet moved towards the registers. Meanwhile, I kicked into gear like there was a fire under my butt. Dashing through the store, I grabbed anything and everything that made sense, piling stuff high in a shopping cart. An XL doggie bed, dishes for food and water, and toys. Lots and lots of chew toys. Plus some heartworm medication, a doggie toothbrush just in case, and a book on pet care. That would be enough.

  A few minutes later, I rolled up to the cash register just in time to hear the man chatting with Leah, my manager.

  “Maggie’s been very helpful,” he said to Leah, a middle aged married woman with two kids in high school. Nonetheless, she was drooling over the alpha, frizzy gray hair even wilder than usual.

  “Oh of course,” she purred. “Maggie’s our best.”

  “Exactly,” said the dark man. “And your best employee deserves a raise.”

  What? What what? Really? He was putting my name in for a raise? This guy was not only a hero, but a god. I blushed rosily, bosom heaving once more.

  “Oh thanks,” was my breathless interjection. “Thanks so much.”

  The man turned my way then, another smile playing at those perfectly sculpted lips.

  “Thank you,” he drawled, a twinkle in those eyes. “Thank you, Maggie.”

  Was it my imagination or was there some kind of hidden meaning in that sentence. My inner voice scolded me. You’re overreacting, it scoffed. Please girl, get a grip. Act normal for once.

  So I nodded briskly once more.

  “It was my pleasure, sir. And make sure to give one of those training schools a try. Your sister would appreciate it, I'm sure, and it’d be good Bowzer.”

  His bright blue eyes dipped down, and then up, and then down again. Oh my god, did this alpha just give me the once over again? In my lowly DoggieMart apron, hands dirty from stocking food?

  But it was true. The powerful man’s eyes gleamed even as he jerked the pit bull’s leash, urging him up.

  “Sir sounds good on your lips,” he growled, so low that only I could hear. “Real good.”

  But then the moment snapped.

  “Thanks again,” the dark man called in a normal voice, including Leah this time. “Thanks again ladies.”

  And with that, he was gone, the pit bull padding obediently in his wake. Oh my god, oh my god. Did that really happen? Did our sexy visitor just check me out over and over again, before suggesting that I call him “Sir”?

  But it was true. And as a shiver ran up my spine, I stared at his departing form. Because somehow I knew that my unnamed customer would be back again … and I couldn’t wait.

  CHAPTER TWO

  Evan

  This dog fucking sucked.

  “Come on, Bowzer! Goddamn it,” I grunted, dragging the pit bull into the lobby of my building, the muscles in my arms burning.

  Fuck, he was big.

  This was so stupid. People paid millions of dollars to live in this building. In fact, the apartment below me just went into contract for fifty million cash. And yet here I was, dragging this bristling lump of muscle to the elevators. Bowzer didn’t care this was a luxury abode. He just wanted to see that pretty sales associ
ate again.

  Shoes scuffling across the marble, a doorman scampered across the lobby towards me and dog. “Can I help you, sir?”

  “No, I'm good,” I said grimly. “We’ll make it to the penthouse. By the way, thanks for taking care of this mutt the other day.” Struggling with the leash in one hand, I reached the other into my pocket, coming out with a hundred.

  “Thanks,” I managed again, pressing the bill into his hand. “Thanks again for keeping him yesterday. You went above and beyond.”

  Elton’s gap-toothed smile flashed as he took the cash.

  “It was no trouble, Mr. Lincoln,” the doorman nodded. But that was bull and we both knew it. Elton deserved a damn gold medal for dealing with Bowzer.

  Because my sister, Janine, really did a number. As a twenty year-old “free spirit,” she does whatever she wants, anytime she wants. Even if it’s massively inconvenient for everyone else. My sister’s been spoiled her whole life, and now was no exception.

  Because on her way out of town for what was gaily dubbed a “European grand tour,” she dropped Bowzer off with my doorman. No notice. No time for me to get a dog walker, dog sitter, or hell, even some pimply high school kid desperate to earn a few bucks during the day while I was at the office. Every place my secretary called was booked. They even stayed booked when I offered triple the going rate.

  So much for being a billionaire. I would have paid mad money to get this dog off my hands, but no one was biting.

  Shit.

  Fucking fuck.

  So poor Elton had to deal with the beast that first day. There was nothing he could do. For eight hours, he had Bowzer snapping and snarling in the mail room, barely restrained with his leash tied to the door.

  But fortunately, I came home early that afternoon, and heard that giant slobbering, barking dog, teeth bared as saliva dripped to the floor. Elton's hat sat crazily on his head, and he looked about ten seconds from running for the hills. Yeah, he's getting a nice fat check for his Christmas bonus. Janine's lucky if I get her a piece of coal.

  The elevator dinged. Bowzer barked.

  “By the way, Elton. I left some bags in my spare parking space. Can you get someone to deliver them upstairs?”

  “Of course, sir,” the doorman nodded, looking at the canine half-fearfully. “Of course.”

  “Thanks.” Arm muscles straining, I dragged Bowzer into the elevator with me. The dog plopped down on the floor, tongue hanging out with strings of drool dripping down his face to the elevator floor. Disgusting.

  Janine, you are on my shit list for the rest of the year.

  Bowzer was calm though. He was going along with the flow unlike earlier today. In the pet store, the dog went crazy on that kid, snapping at that baby like he was about to eat toddler for dinner.

  But then Maggie appeared.

  Damn, that girl worked a miracle.

  When the brunette got close to him, I was worried she would get bitten up and sue me. But no, she knew what she was doing and in no time, Bowzer was eating out of her hand like a docile puppy, licking at those gentle fingers.

  I got jealous. Not proud of it, but I had to admit.

  I’d love to taste those fingers.

  I’d love to taste everywhere on that girl.

  Because Maggie was sexy as hell.

  Lush, generous curves. Huge tits, wide hips, and a big ass I wanted to devour. Her curly hair looked like silk, and those big brown eyes would be amazing looking up at me while she had her mouth on my cock.

  After about three seconds looking at her, I was hard enough to pound nails. Not proud of it, but it’s true. And her face glowed like something had gotten her all hot and bothered. Strands of auburn hair stuck to her soft-looking neck, and damn if I didn’t just want to bite and lick until she came all over my face. Damn.

  Maggie. A sweet name. I bet she tasted sweet too.

  The elevator dinged on my floor and Bowzer stood up with a sharp bark. More doggie slobber flew everywhere. Gross. These pants were going to have to be dry cleaned stat.

  “Yep, we're here,” I grunted. They better deliver his stuff pretty quick. I didn’t want this dog to chew on my furniture, or any other shit for that matter.

  Because Bowzer is seriously the worst dog ever. He snarls at babies. He likes to kill squirrels and birds. I know it’s doggy instinct, but still. It’s not like he eats them afterwards for nutrition. Instead, Bowzer drags the dying animal in his mouth, only to spit it out on my living room rug.

  Fucking disgusting.

  I get it. This is what dogs do. But still, fucking gross.

  I wanted him out.

  But he’s my sister’s baby, and there’s literally nowhere else for him to go right now. Janine trusted me, so I had to do my best to make sure he didn't drop dead while she was hitching rides across Europe and not taking showers for days at a time.

  “Come on, boy,” I said, resigned.

  Why did Janine need such a big dog anyway? He would crush her while they played. And Janine doesn’t exactly live in a palatial space. Instead, she’s slumming it with three roommates in a loft downtown somewhere. I understand her bed is a mess of blankets on the floor, crowded between the bathroom and living room. Where did Bowzer fit in that tiny space?

  Well, it wasn’t my problem. I dragged the dog version of King Kong into my penthouse apartment and slammed the door shut behind us.

  Pausing, I took a deep breath. I bet gorgeous Maggie could get him to walk properly. Hell, she'd probably have him doing the waltz after five minutes, twirling merrily in a tutu.

  Imagine the things she could have me doing.

  Okay. Not the time.

  Seriously though, that girl... damn. She was gorgeous. Sexy. Her face was made to be kissed and that body. Shit. She riled up the beast in my pants in about two seconds flat. The brunette had a special touch when it came to animals, Bowzer’s infatuation immediately apparent.

  “Right boy?” I turned to the pit bull. “You loved that girl didn’t you?”

  But he walked off to sniff the apartment. Tail wagging. Still drooling. Gross.

  Ding dong! Finally. That better be the stuff I got from the pet store.

  I opened the door and a kid no older than fifteen stared at me in the doorway, arms filled with packages. Bug eyes gawped, biceps straining around the bag of dog food, the doggie bed, and countless plastic totes filled with all sorts of shit. I took pity on the kid and grabbed it all from him before tipping him a fifty.

  “Thanks, kid.”

  His face lit up like it was Christmas. “Nice!” The boy trotted off down the hall.

  Once he was gone, I set up Bowzer's stuff around the apartment before taking a picture of it all and sending it to my sister with a text.

  In case you want to know I didn't sell your dog to the butcher. - E.

  Janine would probably get it in a few days, hooked up to the free Wi-Fi at some hostel in Budapest or Madrid.

  Meanwhile, I left the dog to drool all over my place in peace. Changing into sweats and a T-shirt, my big form headed to the kitchen to scrounge up some food. Oh good. Chef Davis made some good stuff, leaving it labeled and packaged in the fridge. I heaved my massive build down to sit at the kitchen table with some chicken cacciatore, barely paying attention to the food as my mind drifted back to that girl.

  Maggie.

  Yeah, her name tag said that much, but who was she really? The brunette calmed down my dog and rushed to save a kid like she didn't even care about herself. So caring. So innocent. What a do-gooder.

  One thing was for sure though. The female was hot. Stunningly beautiful. Because I’d had a hard day at work, only to come home to Bowzer being his usual annoying self. But after hearing the girl’s sweet voice, all I wanted to do was put my head in her lap like an obedient pet.

  Hell, my dad could use calming down like that. Charles is a pit bull type of human. Worse than Bowzer, always barking at people and threatening them with one thing or another. Except in his case, his
bark was just as bad as his bite.

  Because my dad founded Lincoln Conglomerate way back when. We’ve done amazing in the last couple years, our valuation at over a billion now. But still, Charles runs this place like it’s a one man shop. He’s bossy, surly, and annoyingly controlling. Even with me as President, Charles still has to look over my shoulder every second, making sure things get done the way he likes it.

  Seriously Dad, let go. You’re seventy-five now. It’s time.

  But my father is a crafty old kook. Because he’s made it clear that I’m not getting control of the outfit until I get married. Until there’s a woman on my arm, spitting out babies.

  What the hell? What does marriage have to do with business? But Charles is just like that. Old-fashioned and stubborn to boot.

  “Marrying your mother is the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” he declared, gripping his pen tight. “I wouldn’t have been able to build this business without Evelyn at my side.”

  I nodded. I get it. My mom held down the fort at home, raising me and Janine as Charles slaved away at work. But still. That didn’t mean that I needed a wife. In fact, the opposite. Not having a wife and family meant that I could focus more of my energies on Lincoln, giving it my undivided attention.

  But Charles stood steadfast.

  “Naw son. I was a wild man before I met your mother. Evelyn helped me settle down and get my business in order. If you do the same, then I’ll hand over the steering wheel. But not until that marriage certificate is signed,” he grunted.

  I shook my head. There aren’t many things that can make me feel helpless, but dealing with Charles is one of them. What do you say to a stodgy old curmudgeon who’s been running the show for thirty years? It doesn’t matter that I’ve been President for the last ten, and that the company’s tripled in value under my watch. None of that made a difference unfortunately.

  So I nodded. But the wheels in my brain turned. My fingers drummed the tabletop, food forgotten.