Page 10 of Bought

“Fine. Don’t tell me anything else. Just get home as soon as you can.”

“I will.” I release a sigh. “Do NOT call again. Got it?”

“Got it.” Our pause. Feelings are being felt on the other end of the line. Then, Cass surprises me by saying, “Love you.”

“Wow. You must really be worried,” I tease.

She groans again. “Stop.”

“Love you too, Cass.” I grin. “Give Ryan a kiss for me.”

“Already did. He’s sleeping soundly.”

“Gotta go.” I hang up and turn off the ringer. No more calls, no more interruptions. I slip the phone into my pocket.

I grasp the cold metal door handle, hesitating before turning it. My reflection in the stainless steel looks like a stranger with flushed cheeks, slightly disheveled hair, and swollen lips. My body’s still vibrating, my skin still remembering every place he touched me.

I hate this.

This was meant to be simple.

A simple plan.

One night. One transaction. One step closer to what we need.

Instead, I stand outside his apartment with his scent still on my skin and his kiss echoing on my lips.

Last chance to walk.

I should have taken it.

This is already complicated.

I don’t date men like him. Never have. I don’t allow it.

Not after everything I’ve been through and the things I’ve seen.

I learned from watching others’ mistakes, then fought my way out of that world for everyone’s sake.

And I sure as hell don’t plan to drag us back into it for a man with cold eyes and dangerous hands.

Except…

He wasn’t only made of ice.

There were moments, tiny flashes, when I saw something warmer in him. Heat that should’ve made me run before I get burned, but instead it draws me in like a moth to a flame.

Turning the knob, everything inside me urges me to leave. Now. But something keeps me going forward. That heat. His body, his eyes, the sound of his voice. And maybe the challenge he offers.

I don’t want to leave; I want to stay.

I walk back inside, and the steel door shuts behind me with finality.

CHAPTER FOUR

Lucian

She stands in front of my door, clutching her coat closed with her hand. Having already seen what’s underneath, I want to see it again. And punish her for wearing those pretty little black panties she’s chosen.