Total pages in book: 87
Estimated words: 81279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 81279 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 406(@200wpm)___ 325(@250wpm)___ 271(@300wpm)
And he must need to have them met fast, since he’s pushing for me to move in with him today. It reminds me of the insistent way he wooed me on the day I met him as my neighbor, and while I know his interest in me is shallow, it’s flattering to hear that he can’t get enough of me.
Anyone with half a brain would call it a massive fucking red flag, but considering there’s a human head in the fridge, love-bombing is the least of my worries.
We’ve already fucked twice since the first time, and while both those times were thrilling, my ass is a bit sore, and I’m tired. Also, overwhelmed with the sudden glut of sex in my life.
I sip a coffee he got me on the way back into town. He must trust me more than is reasonable, because he gave me back my phone and everything. I groan when I check my work schedule.
“Fuck. You might as well take me straight to work. I can’t call in sick again this month.”
Saint frowns as he drives along the street, pulling down the visor as the sun reflects off the fresh snow, making both of us narrow our eyes. “What? No, you need to quit.”
Wow. Yet another red flag. At this point, I’m just a bull, running at them with glee.
“That’s not how the world works. I still need to pay rent while I work out what to do with my stuff. And the cabin is an Airbnb, it’s not permanent.” I’m still walking on tiptoes around him. He’s a killer, and a professional one at that, but I’m finding my feet in this new reality in which he’s not a threat to me.
I’m not afraid of him.
In fact, knowing he has my back makes my fears and anxieties so much less pervasive. And maybe it’s my fucked-up brain acting out, but I also enjoy seeing that I have influence on him.
Saint shrugs, parking in one of the free bays close to the store where I work. “You’ll move in with me, and I want you to focus on learning new skills, not waste your time on that place.”
I want to fight him, just for the principle of not being told what to do, but it’s not as though I love my job. The only good thing about it is discounts on bullets and survival gear.
“And how am I supposed to do that without an income?”
He switches off the engine and offers me a bright smile, as if he has all the answers. “You belong to me. I’ll take care of you. But if you work with me in some capacity, then you’ll have your own money. Trust me, it’s going to be so much better for you.”
I watch him, biting my lip. His hazel eyes eat me up. I’m tempted, so tempted. After all, I left all reason behind when I stabbed Ted’s head in the eye. I’m also flattered he thinks weak, limping me can be his work partner. It makes me believe in myself too.
I’ve struggled on my own for so many years. Wouldn’t it be nice to be taken care of for once?
All you have to do, Rowan, is sign on the dotted line. That’s it, your soul is now his.
“I mean… hunting them down will be kind of a full-time job,” I say even though it’s not him who needs convincing.
“Exactly,” he states, as if that’s what he wanted to hear. He points at Chuck’s shop and opens his door. “Just tell him you’re quitting to be with the hottest guy in town, and then we can pick up the first batch of your things, get groceries, and call it a day.”
My heart beats faster at the prospect and I lean over for a quick kiss.
I leave the coffee, grab my cane, and walk out. Every step reminds me about last night, but it’s no high price to pay for the insanely good sex.
But when I walk into the store, and Chuck looks up with a grimace, the earlier confidence leaves me.
“There you are,” Chuck says with a sigh, dropping something into a box. “One of your fucking rats snuck into the freeze-dried provisions. I’m so fucking done with this. You need to go to the back, and check every packet for bites.”
I stand there, unsure how to proceed.
My boss cocks his head. “Why are you still standing there? Get on with it.”
I clear my throat. “I… I was actually thinking that I might need to quit,” I say flatly.
Chuck stares at me as his face grows redder by the second. “You’re not quitting before Christmas, Rowan! What the fuck?”
“I mean… I could stay today. I just… need to tell my friend, ‘cause he’s waiting for me.” I point to the door, out of my depth.