Warmth flooded my chest at the word home, but doubt followed quickly on its heels. How long would a home on Anchor last for Ford when he was constantly being questioned and attacked? My parents, nosy islanders, this creep following us around. I closed my eyes briefly. One day at a time. I didn’t want to ruin what we were building with worry about the future. He was trying, and that was all I could ask for. “Not yet. I need to finish this.”

Ford rose from the couch. “Why don’t I help you relax a little then.”

My belly gave a little flip as that blue heat flared to life in Ford’s eyes. I swallowed, hard. “What did you have in mind?”

Ford carefully gathered up the papers in front of me and set them to the side. The slow and methodical movements lulled me into a false sense of security. As soon as the printouts were on the opposite side of my workspace, he moved with a speed that had me gasping. Ford’s hands were around my waist, and he was lifting me onto my desk faster than I could blink. “Ford.”

He grinned down at me as he went for the button on my jeans. “Yes?”

“Um, uh, the door? Our employees?” I was grasping at straws I didn’t really want to hold onto all that badly.

“Door’s locked.” He slowly brought down my zipper.

“O-okay.” I couldn’t disguise the shaking in my voice.

Ford grasped the waistband of my jeans and panties, tugging them with enough force that they came free, even though I was sitting. “I think I’ve been patient enough. It’s time for me to taste you.” My breaths came quicker. “Would you like that?” I nodded, wetness gathering between my legs as heat spread low in my belly.

“Lean back.” I did as instructed. “Grab hold of the edge of the desk.” My fingers dug into the wood as Ford slowly pulled my jeans down my legs. As his knuckles dragged along my thighs, I shivered. “So smooth. So soft.” He pressed a kiss to my inner thigh. “Perfect.”

My jeans and sandals came off and thudded to the floor. Ford knelt before me, spreading my knees wide. I fought the urge to squirm. The bright overhead lights meant that I was completely on display for him. Ford looked up at me. “You want to come?”

I nodded. I had somehow lost the ability to speak. He grinned. “Good. I want to make you come, but you have to stay still. You’re not allowed to hide from me anymore.” He trailed a finger down my center and then slipped it inside. “There is no part of you that’s hidden from me. Understood?”

I nodded quickly.

“I need the words, Bell.” His finger crooked inside me, making a come-hither motion.

I whimpered. “No more hiding.”