Page 53 of Roommate Wanted

“Once my ass has recovered,” she grumbled.

I leaned in close, brushing my nose against her cheek.“We can get yae one of those wee doughnut cushions.”

She groaned, shoving me lightly in the chest.“You’re the worst.”

“Aye, but yer still sitting on ma lap.”

She was about to speak when her phone vibrated. I leaned over to pick it up and passed it to her so she didn't need to move her sore wee arse.

“Thanks,” she muttered as she tapped on the screen. “Oh, no.”

Her thumbs whizzed around the screen.

“What is it?” I asked with a frown.

She showed me Amara’s text message.

Amara:I wanted to give you a heads up. They found rotting fish heads in Claire’s office. She said you put them there. My friend in HR has the complaint. He said she saw you. They are building a case to fire you. I’m so jealous. Take me with you. ??

Nia’s response was obvious—denial. She didn't know that I was the culprit.

Claire is a raging, rancid, lying bitch. It wasn't me. I wish it was, though. Thanks for the heads up. ??

“Why do you feel guilty?” she asked.

I avoided her eyes when I handed her phone back.

Dammit.

The bond was a double-edged sword.

Nia’s brows drew together as she stared at me, phone still in hand.“Lyall.”

I tilted my head, trying for innocence.“Aye?”

Her eyes narrowed.“Youdofeel guilty.”

I shrugged one shoulder.“Bit strong, guilty. Let’s say…mildly conflicted.”

Her mouth fell open.“Youdiddo it.”

“I never said that.”

“You didn’t have to,” she snapped, pointing at her chest.“I felt it.”

I rubbed a hand down my face.“Darlin’…she was a danger tae ye. The bond—it’s sensitive. She was poisoning the air around yae. A raging bitch on steroids.”

“Oh my God. You were spying on me in my office?”

“Of course, ah wuz. How else wuz I goin’tae keep yae safe?”

Her jaw fell open, and I gently held her chin and closed it.

“You're something else,” she said, shaking her head.

“Yae were stressed, exhausted, and she was sapping the life out of yae.” I leaned closer, softer now.“She was feeding off yer confidence like a parasite, makin’yae question yer instincts. Yae were miserable.”

Her lips parted again, but no words came out. She blinked twice and let out a quiet, slightly hysterical laugh.