Page 58

Teigan obviously hasn’t heard me approaching, as she has earbuds in. She has a glass of wine in her hand, and she’s twirling around the room to music only she can hear.

She’s wearing tight black leggings that cling to her legs and hips, showing off her delicious curves. The red baggy T-shirt she’s wearing hangs off one shoulder, and is tied at the side so it sits just above her belly button. The gap between her leggings and top exposes the creamy skin of her abdomen, and I have to bite my lip to hold back the groan, I can feel trying to escape.

As she sways around the room, her hips shimmy from side to side, her tits bouncing in a way that makes my cock stand to attention. As fucking sexy as her body looks, it’s got nothing on her face. For the first time since she came here, there’s a genuine, easy smile on her face, and it reminds me of the girl I once loved. She looks so at peace, almost happy.

I could stand here and watch her for hours. It almost feels wrong to interrupt her. I’m worried that as soon as she sees me, the closed off, caged look will return, and she’ll go back to being nervous and uncomfortable. She deserves at least a few more moments of contentment.

I’m prepared not to say anything, and give her some more time, but all too quickly, she turns to face me. It’s like she just knew I was near. Although she stops twirling her hips, dancing around, my heart stutters when her lips turn up into a smile. I expected her to close off, but she didn’t. Instead, she smiles at me like she’s genuinely pleased to see me.

I can’t help but stare, loving the way a blush spreads across her cheeks when she realises I’m not looking away. She pulls the glass of wine up to her lips, but she doesn’t break eye contact with me. The red liquid hits her lips, making them look even more delicious.

“Would you like a glass of wine?” she asks, holding her glass up to emphasise her point.

“Yes, please,” I reply, my voice sounding deep and husky.

She reaches into the cabinet to grab another glass before she pours my drink. As she slides it over the kitchen island to me, she gives me another small smile. Tee tries to hide it, but I catch the way her eyes roam over my body, as she discreetly checks me out. Her eyes sparkle, and I wonder if she likes what she sees.

I try to rack my brain for something to say, but words seem to be avoiding me. I know if I even attempt to say something, it willeither be stupid or inappropriate. So I wait. Luckily, she takes pity on me.

“I found the takeaway leaflets in the top drawer. I’m guessing you’ve used this Chinese before? Do you know what you want, or would you like to take a look at the menu?” There’s a slight hesitancy to her voice, and I can tell she’s just as nervous as I am. “Can we even order to a safe house in the middle of nowhere?”

“I’ve ordered from them before, so they’ve been vetted thoroughly. There’s a security team in the next village over. They will make sure everything is safe before the driver even gets close to the cottage,” I mutter, before adding, “I always order the same thing, so I don’t need the menu.”

Her eyes narrow slightly, her grey gaze locked on mine. “Chicken curry with egg fried rice and chow mein noodles?” She phrases it like a question, her voice lifting slightly at the end.

“With prawn crackers and spring rolls,” I add.

Her smile grows, like she already knew what I'd add. But I guess she did, as it’s the same order I’ve been having since we got our first Chinese takeaway together. I’m not the most adventurous when it comes to trying new things, and Teigan was always trying to push me out of my comfort zone. But when it comes to food, I know what I like, and when I find something I’m happy with, I stick to it.

“I should have known,” she says with a laugh. “Shall I order?”

She pulls her phone out of her pocket and begins tapping away on the screen before I have even said yes. She may as well be the one to order, as she knows what she wants.

“Sure, but I’m paying,” I reply, pulling my wallet out of the back pocket of my jeans. Opening it up, I pull out my credit card and hand it over to her. She looks down at my outstretched hand, a frown appearing on her face.

“Thanks. Bree sorted me out with some cash, for now, but I will pay you back when I can… When I’m able to get out ofhere and get a job,” she mutters, her eyes flicking down to the floor as her cheeks flush red. She takes my card as she continues finalising our order online.

Fuck, why had it never occurred to me that she wouldn’t have any money? All she had with her is the clothes I rescued her in. I just assumed Bree was sorting everything, but I never actually took the time to check. I’m such a dick.

“Shit, I’m sorry… I completely forgot to check with you about if you have everything you need. I knew Bree was sorting it, and I just assumed… I can help though, now I know. I can arrange to get you set up with a credit card, so you can order anything you want or need.” I’m speaking so fast now, the words are tumbling out, and I’m worried she’s struggling to keep up.

She lifts her eyes to meet mine again, though now they’re deep and assessing, like she’s trying to see if there’s any hidden meaning behind them. I was speaking so fucking fast, I’m not sure if it came out in the wrong way.

“You don’t have to… I mean, I have no way to pay you back…yet.” She winces as the final word tumbles from her lips, and I hate how embarrassed she is by this.

“Fuck that. It’s the least I can do,” I respond, but she shakes her head.

“Seriously, I don’t need any more handouts. I’m going to be in debt with your family in the afterlife at this fucking rate,” she snaps, and I can’t help but grimace.

“What do you mean?”

“It’s going to take me forever to pay back the cost of the auction, Ev. Plus, the debt I was already paying back. I can’t add on anymore,” she responds, taking a large gulp of wine at the end.

“You don’t owe me anything,” I state firmly, and her wide grey eyes snap up to mine.

“What?!”

“Your debt is done. You owe us nothing. If anything, we owe you for getting you into this fucked up situation in the first place.”