Page 42

“Because you don’t understand the danger around you.” He flicked me a look that sent a zing down my spine. “Besides, it’s only natural that I get to see where my fiancée lives, right?”

He licked his bottom lip and swallowed as though remembering our kiss from earlier.

“Fine. Just so you know. It’s not a fancy mansion like your house.”

We got out, walked into the building, and headed up in the elevator. He looked around as though surveying for threats.

“I think we’re safe,” I said, unlocking the door.

“I love your positive outlook, but you placed yourself in danger today. I didn’t like it.” He stepped in, closed the door, and locked it. He stared at the lock for a moment. “You need a better lock.”

I rolled my eyes, but he didn’t see it. “I’ve lived here for a long time. It’s safe. Plus, I’m moving in with you. I’m not wasting money buying a lock for an empty apartment.”

Our eyes connected, and he knew I was right.

Dropping the topic, Attikus leanedhis cane against the wall near my shoe rack and walked around my apartment. “It’s a quaint apartment.”

I didn’t know why, but embarrassment flushed through me. He was the first wealthy man to enter my one-bedroom apartment. I had an old but comfy couch in the living room with casual furniture. None of these things measured up to his fancy mansion or wherever he lived. Usually, I wouldn’t care what anyone thought of me, but I didn’t want him to think I wasn’t worthy of being his fake wife.

What was wrong with me?

I placed my purse and the bag of pastries on the counter.

“Would you like anything to drink?” I walked over to the refrigerator.

“No, thank you.” He ambled over to my rack of plants and picked up my largest terrarium. “This is cool. Looks like a little world.”

I gulped down cold water, hoping it would settle the nerves still ringing inside me. Was I the only one affected by that contact? He seemed like he’d already forgotten about it.

“Where did you get this terrarium?” He returned it to its spot.

“I made it.” I placed my glass of water on the counter.

As I walked past him,he grabbed my hand and ushered me against the wall. His body was flush with mine. Heat throbbed between us.

“You’re very talented. How about I commission you to create a terrarium for my office,” he said, looking down at me.

The heat from earlier returned, stronger and more palpable. This relationship was becoming more and more confusing each day. And we weren’t even married yet. What kind of chaos would our relationship be when we were actually married?

His cologne snuck up my nose and tantalized my body. My core tightened, and my panties grew damp.

What the hell?

A shiver ran through me, and I tried my best not to show what had just happened. I’d never lost control like this. I blamed it on my nerves from the past few days and not on this magnetic man who could elicit powerful sensations from me.

He brushed his fingers down my cheek. “If I hadn’t been there today, that man with the redhead would’ve suspected you.”

“What do you mean?” My cheek heated where his knuckles had brushed.

“Enzo Stevens is part of a dangerous organization. Now that I know he’s associated with Emmanuel, this entire situation just got more complicated.”

Attikus told me he had work to do and reminded me not to leave my apartment for the rest of the day.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

ATTIKUS

It had beena mistake to kiss her. I had assumed if I got the urge out of my system, everything would be fine. She wouldn’t fester in my mind, making me crave. But I was wrong. I had underestimated this attraction between us. With every touch, she became the fuel that enticed the fire within me.