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“Yes,” he says after a pause, voice husky. “That’s perfect.”
We don’t talk for a while, my nerves tightening as we approach the apartment building.
“What were you doing in this part of town, anyway?” I ask.
The silence gives me too much space to invent scenarios in my mind, to entertain the notion that he imagines wrapping his arms around me, hugging me tightly, and whispering that he’ll never let anybody hurt me.
But then what? Even if that were the case, eventually, he’d grow tired. He’d leave since he must have endless options on the dating front. A ripped, handsome billionaire… No, I can’t let myself think about that. He’s doing me a favor. That’s the most I can expect.
“I had a meeting with a nearby youth center,” he says after a pause.
“As part of your charity?” I ask.
“Yeah. You know about that?”
I know everything about him that’s publicly available, but I’m not about to tell him that. It would probably freak him out.
“I think it’s great,” I say. “I’m sure it gives people peace of mind, knowing their computer systems are safe and all free. It’s a fantastic thing to do.”
“We’re branching out into supplying computers and tablets, too. It’s the least I can do. How long have you wanted to be a programmer?”
I interlace my hands, wondering how he’d react if he touched me. I’m coated in sweat. I can even taste it on my upper lip. It’s the closeness of Luke. It’s the very fact that I’m here, living in a dream I never want to wake up from.
“I was twelve, and we were doing computer class in school. I asked my teacher who made the program we were using. He explained the lines of code. It seemed like magic to me, but also appealing because there are rules. It makes sense. It’s so much simpler than regular life.”
“We can agree there,” he says firmly.
“I used the school computers,” I go on, “and saved for a laptop when I left. I’ve been addicted ever since.”
“This is the laptop Axel tried to assault you with?” Luke says as his tone drops and his fists clench.
I swallow, wondering why he’s so mad. I can’t let myself think it’s because he cares uniquely about me. It’s far more likely that the situation upsets him. He’d do this for anybody in my position.
Hell, even if he did want me, he’d probably find the age gap weird. I wouldn’t. He’s thirty-nine, ten years older than me, but that only means he’s got all the maturity and experience that make men my age look like toddlers.
The car comes to a stop outside the apartment building.
“Are you ready?” he asks.
I’m not sure I am, but Luke speaks confidently and forcefully, offering no room for argument. As bad as it would sound if I told him, it’s refreshing not to have to think for myself. Not with everything. I wouldn’t want him to dictate my entire life, but knowing he’s leading the way comforts me.
“I think so,” I murmur.
He reaches over and touches my hand. Warmth spreads up my arm from his firm touch. He doesn’t say anything about how sweaty I am.
“Everything’s going to be okay,” he says. “I promise.”
He climbs from the car, then walks around, opening the door for me. It’s like a preview of what a date would be like being treated like a princess.
“Sir.”
A man steps from a car behind us, a sleek black vehicle with tinted windows. He wears an earpiece and a black suit, looking like security.
“Please, let me go instead of you.”
“No,” Luke says.
“Let me come with you, then.”
“I know you’re only doing your job, but I’m doing this alone. I’ll call if I need backup.”
Without waiting for a reply, Luke walks over to the entrance. I move with him, letting out a quick breath when he places his hand on the small of my back. The physical contact is everything I’ve wished for, his solid touch pushing through my hoodie, warm against my skin. My body responds with fluttering, lust-filled signals, my sex throbbing as if telling me to find a quiet place to seduce this man.
The elevator’s busted, so we walk up the stairs, passing apartments with the music blaring. With Luke here, I’m seeing this place with fresh eyes. The carpets are dirty and blackened at the edges. The paint is chipping. Many doors have mismatched colors from where people have broken them, then replaced them with cheaper versions. I pause outside the apartment.
“I promise,” Luke says, his reassuring touch still pressing against me. “I won’t let anything happen to you.”
I nod, then unlock the door and push it open. Axel strides over to me immediately, then grins cruelly when he sees me.
“Came crawling back, then.”
His grin falters when Luke walks in behind me, ducking so he doesn’t hit his head on the frame. Lily gasps when she sees him.
