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I searched his face for a clue, something that might tell me how hereallyfelt. His eyes were dark and heated, and for a moment, I thought I caught a flash of vulnerability there. But before I could be sure, he blinked, and it was gone.
“Tink,” he murmured, his voice rough with an emotion I couldn’t quite place. His thumb moved up the line of my jaw and I stilled. “I won’t risk your safety.”
I swallowed hard, caught between the desire to argue and the urge to close the miniscule distance between us. “I can take care of myself, Killian,” I whispered, but even I could hear my lack of conviction.
He leaned in closer, his forehead nearly touching mine. “I know you can, but while we’re together, you don’t have to.”
I was touched at the raw honesty in his words. I felt myself wavering, my determination to remain independent crumbling in the face of his concern.
Because a small part of mewantedsomeone to take care of me. “I … ” I started, not sure what to say. Argue? Give in? Thank him?
Before I could decide, a loud crash from the living room shattered the moment. We both froze, tension of a different kind filling the air.
“Stay here,” Killian ordered, his tone taking on that deliciously dangerous edge again.
As he reached for the door handle, I grabbed his arm. “This is my apartment, remember?”
For a moment, I thought he might argue, but then a small smile tugged at his lip. “I’ll go first,” he conceded.
He probably only gave in because he knew Max was nearby and could back him up.
Killian slipped into the living room with me trailing right behind.
My jaw dropped at the scene that greeted us.
“What the hell?” I sputtered, noticing my end table on its side and a large ladder next to it. My gaze darted around the room, taking in the mess and the additional strangers in my apartment. “Killian! What are these people doing?”
A trio of men in power suits flanked Killian, ready to do his bidding. They looked harmless, but their vibe projected the professionalism of high-level hired security. They looked between Killian and me, their lack of response a clear indication they didn’t want to get caught in the crossfire.
I noticed a camera dangling from one man’s fingertips. “Oh, hell no.” I turned on Killian. “Notinsidemy apartment.”
“Tink, be—” Killian started, but I cut him off, despising his placating tone.
I balled up my hand and punched his stomach, holding back a wince at how hard it was. “I’m going to stop you right there before you say something you’ll regret even more.”
I marched up to the man and yanked the camera out of his hands, ignoring the startled look on his face. I was on a roll. I hadn’t stood up for myself like this in I couldn’t tell you how long. “We won’t be needing this.”
Killian opened his mouth, but I cut him off with a glare that I hope could’ve melted steel.
“I want everyone gone. Now!” I demanded. My hands trembled as I pointed to the door. My brave, hear-me-roar persona began to fade as the men held their ground. It was a stark reminder they waited for Killian’s command, not mine.
“Tink,” Killian growled.
“There are new locks on the door, a camera outside. If you want to continue any of this … ” I gestured between us, not wanting to let on about our arrangement to fake date. “we’re done.”
Tension tightened the muscles in Killian’s neck, setting his jaw as he stared at me. For a moment, I thought he might argue, and a part of me wanted him to—wanted an excuse to unleash all the pent-up frustration and confusion I’d been feeling. But then his eyes shifted, and he barked, “Everyone out.”
The workers scrambled to gather their tools, practically tripping over themselves in their haste to leave. Max hesitated at the door, his gaze flicking between Killian and me.
“You too,” Killian sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I’ll let you know later when to return.”
“Got it.” Max nodded at me, a hint of respect in his eyes, before quietly leaving.
As the door closed behind him, the silence in the apartment reached deafening. I turned to Killian and crossed my arms tightly. Narrowing my eyes at him, I pressed my lips into a thin line and waited for him to explain.
“Tink—”
“Killian! You do not get to dictate everything in my life just because we’re pretending to be together,” I said, keeping my voice quiet yet firm. “I won’t stand for it. I won’t lose my independence.”