Page 167 of Ruthless Desires: Vol. One

“N-no.”

“Exactly. You don’t know how to protect yourself. So until you do, your best defense isappearinglike you could beat the shit out of anyone who even looks at you the wrong way. Act confident. Be intimidating. People will be more likely to leave you alone.”

“Got it.”

The elevator comes to a stop, and the doors slide open. We walk to my front door in silence, and I make sure to stand straight.

Finn does a quick sweep of my apartment while I take off my boots and coat. It’s not until he’s back in the main living area that I notice the present sitting on the counter.

“Did you put that there?” I ask, nodding to it.

Finn frowns. “Why the fuck would I get you a present?” Then he takes the box and shakes it. “This wasn’t here when you left this morning?”

“No, I—”

“Oh! Oh, I know what this is. Elliot texted me about it. For you.” Finn shoves the box into my hands.

I stare at the present, admiring the pretty dark red wrapping paper. “They got me a gift?”

“I think you know the answer to that. Now, I’m gonna get out of here. If that’s a sex toy or something, I have no desire to be around when you pull it out of that box.”

My body floods with heat. “Thanks for walking me home.”

He nods. “You’re not planning on going anywhere tonight? And I mean anywhere. Even if it’s just a walk to get some fresh air.”

“No, I’m staying in.”

“Good. You should be perfectly safe in here.” He points to my front door. “But if you step into that hallway, it should be with me by your side. Even if you’re getting something from a fucking vending machine or going to the laundry room or whatnot. Your boys aren’t paying me to watch over you in this tiny matchbox of an apartment, but if you leave, you’re my responsibility. Got it?”

I nod, mind whirring. For some reason, I didn’t realize they’dhiredFinn to keep me safe. They made it sound like it was a favor or something.

“I’m staying close by,” he says. “If you notice anything even remotely suspicious, call me. You won’t be bugging me. Again, I’m getting paid very well for this.”

“Got it. Call you if there’s anything suspicious.”

“Anythingremotelysuspicious.”

“Or if I leave the apartment.”

“Good to know you pay attention. See you in the morning.” Finn makes sure the doorknob is locked before leaving.

Once I’m alone, I set the present on the kitchen counter and carefully unwrap it. Once I see what’s inside, my heart skips a beat.

Where’s my phone? Oh my god, where’s my phone?

I run to my coat, searching the pockets until I find it. Then I scroll through my notifications, hoping I’m not too late.

Oliver:Just landed. Miss you already.

He sent it twenty minutes ago. They should still have service, right?

I hit the call button, praying that he’ll pick up.

“Hey, princess. Everything okay?”

“Oliver!”

There must be something in my voice that clues him in to what I’m feeling, because he chuckles. The sound is warm and comforting, almost like he’s here next to me. “I take it you got your gift.”