Page 7 of Cherished
“You can stay here. Save your money.”
I’m convinced my mind is playing tricks on me. I’m sure I didn’t just hear him right. I blink rapidly and try and focus on his beautiful face. “Sorry, what?”
Hunter frowns. “That came out wrong. I mean, if you’d like to stay here, I have plenty of room.”
“Here?” I blurt. Withhim?
He nods, and then frowns again. “That boy; your…”
“Notmy boyfriend,” I shudder. “We had one date and he was a creep. But I was an idiot and let him walk me home, so he knows where I live now.”
Hunter scowls, and I remember the way he basically manhandled Brent. “Even more reason.”
“I…” I worry my bottom lip. “No, I couldn’t.”
“You could. You should.”
I swallow and my face reddens. “Here?” Live in the rooftop oasis with the most beautiful man in the world? Am I insane?
“Okay.” Yeah, what? The word falls out of my stupid mouth so quick I can’t even try to stop it. But slowly, Hunter grins a gorgeous, heart-melting smile.
“Yeah?”
Oh heck yes. “I mean, yes? Yes! And thank you! Ohmygod, this is…” I blush when I realize I’m stammering. But he just grins.
“It’s my pleasure, really.”
“Thank you, so so much,” I say breathlessly. It’s all I can think of to say right now.
“I’ll have someone go get your things.”
“Oh, I can grab everything! I don’t have a lot.”
His brow worries. “I’d prefer if someone helped you, in case that little shit comes back.”
“You want to come protect me?” I grin.
Hunter’s face stays neutral. “I’ll send someone with you.”
“Wait, Hunter. Why…” I scrunch my nose. “Why are you doing this? Why me?”
But Hunter doesn’t answer. He clears his throat. “The guest room is the second past the office. I’ll call my guy now.”
Just like that, conversation over. He turns and walks back into the house, like he didn’t just invite me to live in paradise, withhim.
4
Hunter
What the fuckam I doing? I hiss to myself, angrily chopping veggies and herbs for the Thai-style dinner I’m throwing together. What am I fucking doing?
She shouldn’t be here. What am I thinking, that she’d like me? She’s fucking nineteen. I’m thirty. I’m an old man to her, I bet. And a weirdo, probably. I mean I’m eccentric enough but wait until she realizes I literally don’t leave this place.
I’m still chewing myself out for being an idiot when the front door to the penthouse opens. I glance up and see that it’s her, back with my assistant Roger. I wasn’t relishing the idea of sending her away, much less with a man. She’s soft, innocent prey in this city of wolves. That she’s made it this long without being swallowed whole is a miracle.
I’m here now. I’m protecting her. But I can’t cross the fucking street to pack up her clothes. Roger is the next best thing. Loyal to a fault, Marine trained, and disciplined. Oh, and gay as a picnic basket. And right now, he’s laughing. I’ve literally never seen him laugh.
“Oh my God Ilovethat part!” Mia crows. “Say what! Say what again, motherfucker!” She collapses into peals of laughter along with Roger. Hearing her swear like that is amusing. It sounds wrong coming out of her sweet mouth.