My nipples pebble as a shiver runs through me from his gentle touch. From his appearance, you’d think Xander didn’t have a soft bone in his body. But when Ireallylook at him, I think he’s a lot deeper than what meets the eye. I also think he’s so closed off that he won’t let anyone past the invisible wall he’s built around himself.
“I don’t need you to fix it. I’m a big girl. I can handle my life.”
That’s what I’ve been telling myself over and over in my head for the past year. It’s been my only option.
He stares at me, his gaze searching and curious. “You might be a big girl, but you don’t have to take on the world by yourself.”
I narrow my gaze at him and speak before I think better of it. “You’re one to talk. It’s pretty obvious you have the world on your shoulders. Are you takingthaton by yourself? Because, based on the haunted look you always have in your eyes and the cuts on your knuckles, I don’t think you’re handling your own problems very well, so you certainly don’t have the capacity to worry about someone else’s.”
As soon as the words are out, I know it wasn’t the right thing to say. I think I hit a nerve. Averyraw one.
“You don’t know anything about me, sunshine,” he says tightly, rising from the floor, his eyes dark and guarded. The kind and caring Xander who first showed up has disappeared, replaced by coldness.
Then he reaches down and pulls me to my feet like I weigh nothing and glares down at me while I try not to get lost in how good his cologne smells. Though the closer I get, I’m pretty sure I’m also getting a whiff of whiskey on his breath.
“I came down here because I’m getting rid of my couch and wanted to see if you’d like it.”
I blink several times. His couch? What? Is he worried about me not having any furniture other than my bed and a thrift store nightstand?
He pulls out his phone and flips it around to show me a picture of a white leather monstrosity, which looks like it was sent down from some kind of spaceship because not even aliens wanted it. Without meaning to, I wince as I look at it.
Moose walks between Xander’s legs, using his expensive black slacks as a rubbing post. Xander looks at the cat with a glare that I would not want to be on the receiving end of. Moose isn’t affected by it and continues circling.
“Oh, um…” I scratch my head, trying to come up with a reason why I don’t want to take his couch. I have no doubt it cost a small fortune, especially since it came from space, but holy cow, it’s ugly.
Definitely not what I had imagined to be Xander’s style. It’s a little disappointing that he has that in his house. I wouldn’t have taken him for one of those rich assholes who demand the most expensive and finest things. I guess my gut fooled me again. “I really appreciate the generous offer, but it’s not really my style.” I beam up at him, hoping he doesn’t take offense.
For the first time since I’ve met Xander, his smile meets his eyes. I hold my breath as I soak in the beauty of it. Of him.
“Yeah, I don’t blame you. It’s not my style either, sunshine,” he mutters, a little amusement laced in his voice.
Tilting my head, I gaze at him, totally aware of his large body crowding me near my apartment door. He’s dressed in his normal attire of slacks and a dark gray button-down dress shirt that probably costs more than my monthly rent. And his shoes are probably three times that. But damn, the man looks good.
“Then why do you have it?” I ask curiously.
That causes him to still and narrow his eyes like he’s trying to figure out an answer. Taking a long breath, he looks down at me.
“It’s adorable that you think you can distract me with your questions, sunshine. Tell me what else you need help with. Why are you behind on your bills? You work three jobs and makegood money. Are you in danger?” His eyes darken as the last question comes out, and he steps closer so we’re only inches apart.
It’s suffocating but intoxicating at the same time. Everything in my mind goes fuzzy around him; it’s hard to think. A part of me doesn’t feel like I have to think around him because, no matter what, Xander will handle it. Although after seeing his knuckles, I’m not sure if he always handles things well.
Wait…
“How do you know I work three jobs?”
I never told him that. I’m sure of it. We hadn’t exactly shared much about each other at all.
“Do you know the name of the company that owns all the casinos you work for, sunshine?” He studies me, like this is some kind of test, but I’m not sure what the correct answer is.
Blinking several times, I shrug. “Of course, it’s on all my tax forms. Savage Entertainment.”
He watches me like a hawk, and it’s unnerving. What is he looking for? I’m so confused.
Wait.
“What’s… your last name?” I ask, my entire body suddenly trembling.
Please don’t say Savage. Please don’t say Savage.
