Page 60 of Consumed By You

Why is he doing this?

“Will you consider coming back to my place? I don’t want to leave you like this.”

No way.

I shake my head. “No, I need to be home.”

“Then let me stay over at your place,” he presses, and I raise an eyebrow suspiciously. Truth is, I definitely don’t want to be alone tonight, but I don’t know what a night with Benjamin will do to me again.

“Ben, youhatemy apartment, and last time we talked, you hatedme. I’m grateful that you saved my life, but I don’t understand this.”

“I do hate your apartment, but Ineverhated you. I was angry from what I heard, yes, but I never hated you.” He takes a deep breath. “I can explain later. Let me stay with you tonight.”

No.

Yes.

No. No way.

Yes.

No. Don’t do it.

“Okay.”

CHAPTER TWELVE

Usually I dread coming home, but right now I could kiss the uneven planks in front of my apartment building I’m so relieved to be here.

“Dimitri, I’ll be staying the night here. I’ll have my phone on me.”

“Sir, her bag.”

“Oh yes. Darcy, your purse. Anthony got it for you.” Benjamin hands the bag to me.

“Thank you.” I clutch it to my chest and step out of the car. Ben holds the door open for me.

“I’m stunned they haven’t invested in a security lock on the door in this neighborhood,” Benjamin complains. “Anyone could just walk in here.”

I barely register what he’s saying. I reach into my purse, fishing for my keys, but my shaking fingers make it impossible. Frustrated tears fill my eyes, despite my attempts to remain calm in front of him.

“Here, let me,” Benjamin says, taking the bag from me gently.

“I’m sorry.” He has to be regretting coming home with me.

He puts the key into the lock and opens the door. “You have nothing to be sorry for, Darcy. Come on, let me make you some tea.”

Tea?Benjamin Scott makes tea?

He shuts the door behind me and I remember I’m safe in my apartment with a man who I can trust not to hurt me. Well, physically at least.

“I’m okay. I don’t need tea. I just want to take a shower.”

“I’ll be out here.” He shuffles awkwardly at the entranceway.

“You can go to bed. I know it’s really late. Well, early,” I correct when I notice the sun is breaking.

“All right.”