Page 45 of Sling’s Awakening

“I can’t stand you.” Blake continues her cute little act as she spins back around to face the water.

That’s fine. I’ll give her that. I’ve laid out what this is about to be. She can either get on board or find out what happens when you challenge a man like me.

Chapter

Twelve

BLAKE

This man is infuriating.

I wish I knew where everyone in my life has been finding their audacity lately because I’d like some as well.

I thought leaving him outside on my patio would have been enough of a hint for him to go home. But no. Apparently in a man’s brain that means he can come inside my house and make himself so much at home that he feels the need to join me in the fucking shower.

The audacity is next-level.

I think the only thing that’s keeping me from throwing my tea mug at his stupid head is that I don’t want to ruin my couch. The material is a bitch to clean.

“Why are you still here?” I pin him with a hard stare as I bring the mug to my lips and take a long sip of green tea.

Sling relaxes back into the couch, stretching his arms across the back as he holds my stare with that stupid fucking smirk that never seems to leave his face. “You know why I’m here.”

Yeah, to continue to make my life that much more annoying.

In truth, last night should have never happened. It was a mistake that I wish I could take back. Even if the sex was mind-blowing, I can’t get involved with Sling. He has bad news written all over him, and I don’t need another headache in my life. I’m at the point now where I want to find my forever. Get married. Maybe have a kid. I just want to feel… settled and safe. And men like Sling sure as hell don’t settle down.

If I can get him out of my house, I’m sure I can find a way to avoid him for the rest of the time I live here.

“What’s your business with Russ?” I ask, changing the subject in hopes of finding out any sort of lead or answer as to what the hell is going on at the club.

Sling’s grin falls off his face. “He tell you I have business with him?”

“No.” I shake my head.

But something is definitely going on with him.

He studies me for a moment before clicking his lower jaw. “What’s he told you?”

I bluster at his tone. He sounds as if he doesn’t believe me.

I don’t know what he and Russ have going on, but I’m also not about to tell him every single time Russ has mentioned his name.

“Nothing.” I shrug, taking another sip of tea.

“Then why did you ask me that?”

“No reason. It just seemed like you did the other night with him wanting a meeting and everything.” I shrug again before standing up. I don’t think I’m going to get anything out of him. “Well, I have things to do today.”

I give him one last look before I head into my bedroom and close the door, leaving him alone.

Please take the fucking hint and get the hell out of my place.

I don’t have a lot of experience with one-night stands being at my house.

Is this a one-night stand?

It has to be, right?