Out of Harm's Way (Balls and Brawn Bodyguard Series Book 1) by Rebecca James

of Mick’s treatment at Groover’s hands made him sick and certainly shouldn’t be having the effect it was having on him right then. The man had won Mick’s trust and then turned on him, using size and strength along with Mick’s fear as weapons of control. Ox hated guys like that. He knew what it was like to be regarded with fear. It came in handy with his job, but he never wanted a lover—someone who trusted him with their body and pleasure—to look at him that way. So why the hell was the thought of spanking Mick making him hard? The text messages from Cate appeared to have stopped. He’d hated to have to be so terse with her, but she had to get it through her head that he’d meant it when he’d broken up with her. He suppressed a sigh. Relationships were so much trouble. Almost not worth the effort. Ox had ended their three-month relationship two days ago, and as far as he was concerned, it had lasted two-and-a-half months too long. He couldn’t take the drama. Ox liked things simple and easy. Standing, Ox angled his body so Mick wouldn’t see the bulge that stubbornly remained behind his zipper. “Okay. I’m going to unpack my bag in the back bedroom. Kasey said you’re sleeping in the loft?” “Yeah. I think I’ll go read for a while,” Mick said, avoiding Ox’s gaze. Ox hoped he hadn’t embarrassed him. “Sure. I’ll make dinner. Any allergies?” “No.” Pausing with the couch between them, Ox watched Mick climb the ladder to the loft. When he realized his gaze was lingering on Mick’s round as