Page 8 of Sinful Seduction

Jayla was startled by Beau’s bark and took a step back, slipping on the floor.In that millisecond, her thoughts were,damn, this is going to hurt.But strong arms came around her and lifted her against a massive chest.

A swarm of feelings raced through her, fear the strongest one.The alarm from falling was just starting to drain away, but the fear of a man she didn’t know touching her was unsettling in the least.The fear was mixed with something she couldn’t identify, which compounded her turbulent emotions.

“Did that jar your ribs?”

Jayla was frozen for a moment.The dangerous-looking man could actually talk?“It’s okay.You can put me down, please.I think I’ll skip dinner and rest for a bit.”

Diego sat down at the table and put her on his lap before handing her a spoon.“No, you’re going to eat first.”

She knew she looked ridiculous sitting on a stranger’s lap, shock written over her face, and a spoon held in one hand.She sat frozen.She didn’t know how to deal with this situation at all.She jolted a bit when another pair of arms wrapped the blanket around her shoulders.

“You lost your blanket.”

Jayla looked down.The shirt was tucked up a bit, showing more leg than she wanted, but she didn’t think they saw, hopefully.Could a person burn up because of a blush so severe it scorched?

She set her spoon down and tried to stand.

“Where are you going?”Diego growled.

“I don’t know why I’m on your lap, but it’s highly improper.”She stared when a smile cracked Diego’s stern face, transforming him into one of the most handsome men she’d ever seen.“Um...”Diego’s hair was also very short and dark, his eyes a little lighter brown than Beau’s, but she could tell he had a South-American heritage.Everything about him spoke of arrogance and dominance.He could very well be the scariest person she’d ever encountered.While Beau was a few inches taller than Diego, Diego’s body was a solid mass of muscle.

Beau was muscular.Every muscle was defined, but Diego had muscles on muscles.His thigh beneath her bottom was as solid as a rock.

“Honey, everything about me is improper, so get used to it.Now...”He picked up her spoon and handed it to her again.“Eat.”

Jayla looked at Beau for help, but he only smiled and nodded at her bowl before taking another bite of his own.She didn’t know what to do, so she leaned forward and took a spoonful of warm soup.Before she knew it, the bowl was gone, and she finally became aware of the men’s silence.Jayla tried to stand again without looking at the men, but Diego just tightened his grip on her hip.Thankfully, not the one with the bruise.

Jayla frowned over her shoulder.“Why are you keeping me on your lap?”

“Because I like you there.”

Her irritated frown turned into a confused one.“Why?”

Diego shrugged.

Her anger rose swiftly.“Okay, that’s it.You let me go right now.I just met you, for God’s sake.”

“Or what?”Diego challenged.

“Or, or ...I’ll make you wish you had,” she sputtered.

Diego chuckled.“How?”

Jayla growled in frustration, which only made him laugh.“You’re a jerk.”

Diego lifted several strands of her hair and rubbed them between his thumb and fingers.“That’s the nicest thing anyone’s called me in a long time.”

“I can vouch for that,” Beau said helpfully.

Could she slug him and not end up hurting herself worse than she already had?

“Don’t even think about it, honey.If you hit me, I’ll spank your sweet ass.Not right now.I’ll wait until you’re healed first.”

Jayla’s eyes rounded dramatically, and her mouth dropped open.The irritation turned to anger.Her eyes narrowed, and she pressed her lips together in a line.“That will never happen.”

He ran one finger down her cheek and just nodded.

“You and what army?”she snapped.