Page 47 of Ruined

I forced myself to meet his eyes. “It’s loud.”

Dominic’s lips curved as he lazily fastened the buttons.

My face flushed. “You could at least close the bathroom door when you shower.”

“You weren’t exactly shy about surprising me in there a few weeks ago.”

“That was different.”

“Oh, I know. But now you’re acting all coy, like you didn’t already get an eyeful back then.”

My heart pounded. “I don’t remember it, really.”

Dominic moved closer, until the air between us grew thin. “The way you looked at me is the same way you’re looking at me now.”

I sneered. “Must’ve wondered how you have time to go to the gym when you’re so busy fawning over yourself.”

He grinned. “You’re such a grump.”

“Get stabbed. See how cheerful you’ll be.”

“You wouldn’t be such a diva if you took your pain meds.”

“I don’t need them.”

“Yeah, that’s obvious,” he said, crossing his own arms as he leaned against the doorway. “Here’s a thought—maybe,justmaybe,you’d be a little less on edge if you weren’t biting downon the pain every second. While we’re at it, you’d be less annoyed if you admitted that you don’t mind having me around.”

The hell did he know?

I leaned back against the pillow, trying to steady my breathing. The way he filled every damn corner of the apartment with his presence got under my skin. It infuriated me, but if he walked out that door and didn’t come back, the place would feel empty. Having him around made me feel safe.

I narrowed my eyes. “Why don’t you go reorganize my pantry or whatever it is you’ve been doing to justify staying here rent-free?”

“I improved your pantry. You actually know where things are now.”

“I knew where everything was before you got your hands on it. Now I’ve got cinnamon where the pasta used to be.”

“You’re welcome. You could show some gratitude, you know. I’ve been cooking for you, cleaning up after you?—”

I fisted the sheets. “I didn’t ask you to.”

“Yeah? You’d be eating takeout and bleeding all over your bed if it weren’t for me.”

“Better than being micromanaged by someone who acts like he owns the place.”

Dominic’s smirk slipped. “You’re unbelievable, you know that?”

“And you’re exhausting,” I fired back, throwing the blanket off my lap. “If you hate it here, then go.”

His brows lifted. “Oh, I see what you’re doing.”

“I’m not doing anything.”

“You’re trying to push me out.” He took a slow step closer, leaning over the bed. “Because God forbid you admit you need someone.”

“I don’t need you.”

“Then why haven’t you kicked me out yet?”