Leopard 03 - Burning Wild

them make certain she does her school work.”
    Susan burst into tears, jumped up, knocking her chair over, and rushed out of the room.
    Jake swore.
    Emma glared at him. “Of anyone, Jake, you should have empathy for that child. Do you have any idea how utterly alone and isolated she is? She has a father who is never home. Her mother’s dead and she’s turned over to strangers all the time. Strangers like Dana Anderson, who has no interest in her at all and does everything she can to make her feel small and miserable. She’s highly intelligent and can’t relate to other teens her age. She’s too young to be taken seriously by adults.”
    “I get it, Emma.” Jake stood up and picked up the chair. “I’m working here at home instead of at the downtown office today. When her tutor gets here, bring in Joshua and Drake.” He felt like a fucking monster.
    He knew what it was to be different, to spend his childhood alone—if one could call what he’d endured a childhood. He planted both hands on the table, caging Emma in as he leaned down. “I’ll talk to her, honey, but I’ll retaliate later for the reprimands.” His gaze burned into hers, hot, sexy, a promise of things to come.
    “You deserved them,” she pointed out, looking a little wary, but her eyes clouded with desire.
    “I know I did.” He leaned closer to lick the corner of her mouth. “I need you to go into town later and pick up a dress for the Bingley thing.”
    She pulled back to stare up at him, wide-eyed. Distressed. “What Bingley thing?”
    “It’s an important party, Emma. I hate those things and this one will be particularly difficult, so I’ll need you there.”
    She shook her head. “No way. Parties aren’t my thing, especially in that circle. No way, Jake, not even for you.”
    She actually looked scared. Jake brushed his mouth against hers. Soft. Tender. Coaxing. “I need you, honey. The enemies will be there. I want someone I can trust with me, someone to watch my back.”
    Her first reaction was disbelief—he saw that in her eyes—but she kept staring up at him, her fingers plucking nervously at his sleeve.
    “Do you mean that?”
    “I want you there with me.” He wasn’t going to ask again.
    She took a breath and his heart turned over at the capitulation he saw in her eyes. She squared her shoulders, overcoming her fear and revulsion of such an event. She knew they would try to embarrass and humiliate her, but she would put herself in that position for him. It was another victory—a big one.
    Another proof that she cared about him, was committed to him. How many times would she have to prove herself before he believed? How many ways?
    “How dressy?”
    “Wear something sophisticated but sexy for me. A cocktail dress. I’ll have jewelry. High heels, Emma. I know you don’t like them, but I’ll love the way your legs will look in them. I’ve fantasized over that more often than I should have.” He brushed several kisses over her soft, upturned lips before putting his lips against her ear. “Make it a little swingy and longer, just above the knee so you can just wear a garter belt and stockings and leave off your panties.”
    She went crimson, just as he knew she would. “I’m not leaving off my panties.”
    “We’ll see,” he said, deliberately wicked, tracing her ear with the tip of his tongue. “Are you wet for me?” he whispered. “If I buried my finger inside you, would I find you aching and hot for me?”
    She pushed at the wall of his chest, laughing. Blushing. “Yes. Now go away.”
    Satisfaction swept through him as he sauntered out. Emma. No matter how outrageous, she would struggle to accommodate his needs, even when it was a little frightening to her. He had to be careful not to let his need for control and assurance push her too far. Those were two of his greatest failings. He would want—no, need—constant affirmation of her loyalty, of her complete commitment to him, because he wouldn’t be able to fully believe and trust in her.
    He made his way to the guest room where he knew Susan was staying. With his acute hearing, even through the solid oak door, he could hear her sniffling. His radio crackled.
    “Mr. Bannaconni. The tutor’s here and he’s brought Miss Hindman’s governess with him.” The disembodied voice held a note of disgust. Drake obviously didn’t like either of the strangers.
    “Let them through, but don’t leave the children or Emma alone with them. Conner