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“N-no need. I was just planning on walking.”
“Lora, Ezra explained what was going on. I have friends looking into it. In the meantime, it would be foolish for me not to take you home.”
Gah! This man’s smile was going to kill me dead and not the mummy type that can be raised again but the type buried in lava. “Alright, I guess it’s all about surviving to see the lunatic locked up where he belongs.”
Mr. Knight led me down to get my things and then to the private garage. I couldn’t hold in my gasp at the sheer luxury before me. There were so many sports cars it looked like one of those fancy car shows. “Is that a McLaren Elva? Holy snowballs! Is that a Koenigsegg Gemera? And a Bugatti Chiron Pur Sport? I’m in super car heaven!”
He chuckled at my obvious enthusiasm. “This one is mine. It’s an…”
“Aston Martin Victor. Wow, it’s so beautiful.” My voice was rather breathless at the sheer automobile beauty around me.
“We have other rare vehicles but those stand out even more than these do. These technically belong to the Belladonna. If we really need to blend in we also have Teslas towards the back.”
I could only blink at him. With a slight shake of my head I turned to look at him. “Mr. Knight…”
“Devrim, please,” he smiled.
“Devrim, I think no matter what you drive, you’ll stand out in my neighborhood. I’m a bartender/dancer. I barely make enough to pay my rent every month. The term ‘starving artist’ truly fits me.”
“I thought Ezra made sure you made enough,” he frowned at me.
Not wanting Ezra to get into any trouble because of my big mouth, I quickly replied, “Oh he does but with dance and costume fees and life expenses it goes quickly. Some months it seems to go faster than others.”
“Hmmm. Well, let’s get out of here. I want to check out this apartment to see how secure it is. We really, well, I really don’t want anything to happen to you.” He held open the door for me as I smiled at him. How could I say anything in response to that c ?
As we drove out of the garage, I enjoyed the purr of the engine. This car was sheer luxury and I’d never thought I’d be inside one, much less with such a handsome man.
Chapter 3
Lora
As Devrim pulled up to my apartment building, I noticed he wore a scowl on his face. “I know it’s not much, but really it’s just where I sleep.”
“I want to insist you come stay in one of my guest bedrooms but I feel like you’d be uncomfortable with that.” His voice almost sounded like he was growling and it sent tingles along my body.
With a shiver that I couldn’t hide, I told him, “I’ll be ok. I’ve set up extra locks for every entrance. Besides, I have to be at the studio by nine so I won’t even be here for very long.”
“Let me see your phone.” I unlocked it and handed it to him. He entered his number and sent himself a text. “This is my personal number. Call me if there are any problems.”
“I will.”
His hand reached up and caressed my face as he looked into my eyes. I felt myself leaning into his touch. “I mean it, Lora. Please, promise me.”
I nodded, nearly breathless as I responded, “I promise, Devrim.”
“I know I just met you but I find myself desperate to kiss you. May I?”
I could only nod as his eyes held mine. He leaned closer as his lips touched mine. His kiss was filled with contradictions. It was soft and strong, gentle yet commanding, tender yet hungry. I could kiss this man forever and be content.
He broke away, placing a soft kiss on my nose then on my forehead. Getting out, he came around the front to open my door. As I got out he pulled me close. “Goodnight my dancing angel. I’ll see you soon.” He kissed me tenderly on my temple as his words danced over me.
I nodded with a still dazed smile and headed into my apartment building. After entering my apartment I ran to the window and waved to show him I was safe. I watched as he entered his car and drove away.
******
Happily exhausted from a very productive day at the studio, I climbed the stairs to my apartment. As I approached my door, my instinct started to scream at me. My door was open just a crack when I knew I closed and locked it before I left.
My heart pounded loudly in my ears as I slowly opened my door. Tears welled in my eyes as I saw the inside. Everything was destroyed and on my walls were painted the words, ‘SLUT’ and ‘WHORE’. He was in my apartment.
