Chapter 27

—Ellie—

The moment Tristan picked me up the next morning, I knew it wasn’t for a run. For one, he was too early, and second he was only in his briefs. I tore my gaze away from his body.

“We need to record additional motivation for your uncle,” Tristan explained. “Come.”

I perched on the bed, not moving an inch. Another recording? When I didn’t follow his command, Tristan raised his eyebrows.

“Come,” he said with more force, and it took considerable effort to remain motionless. I stubbornly returned his gaze.

He stalked toward me and bent over me. “Maybe I’m being too lenient with you,” he murmured, fingers nudging my chin up.

I smiled then gasped when he jerked me to my feet and threw me over his shoulder. His big warm hand rested on my butt as he carried me, and for a few moments I stilled in shock. More because of my body’s reaction to the feel of Tristan’s palm than to my head hanging down over his shoulder. I started wiggling