Page 78 of The Ecstasy of Sin

“What’s wrong?” I ask, leaning against the counter across from her, my back to the large kitchen window.

She sighs, setting the phone down. “I’ve filled out so many job applications that I’ve genuinely lost count, but I still haven’tlanded any more interviews.” She looks a little embarrassed. I don’t like seeing that look on her face.

“You don’t need a job,” I remind her, my arms crossing over my chest.

“Of course I do. I need to find a place to live.”

I know my emotions are written all over my face, because her eyes widen when I glare at her. “I thought I made myself clear. You live here with me now.”

“And do I have any say in this?” she asks, her voice weary and small.

I don’t want to diminish her in any way, but she needs to understand that what is growing between us isn’t casual. It’s not temporary. This isn’t a one night stand, or whatever people are doing nowadays.

“No.”

We stare at each other, tension threaded between us, neither one backing down. Until an alarm on her phone starts going off. She holds my stare for a few seconds longer, then sighs and looks down to silence the alarm.

“That’s my medication alarm. Where’s my backpack?”

“Next to the garage door.” I point in the direction I left her bag this morning.

She slips off the stool, and Hunter instantly falls into step beside her as she heads for it.

I watch her walk away from me, my jaw clenching. I knew this wouldn’t be easy for her, but part of me hoped she’d quickly realize that moving in with me is good for her.

I think my little lamb and I need to have a serious conversation.

CHAPTER 20

Wren

WhenIwalkbackinto the kitchen, Dominic is bent at the waist, grabbing things from the fridge.

I brace my free hand against the counter to climb back onto the stool, my prescription bottle clutched in the other hand, only to hiss when a sharp stab of pain flares in my arm.

The discomfort takes me by surprise, and the bottle slips from my fingers. I try to grab it, but it falls when I fumble for it. Sliding right off the counter, it hits the floor with a rattle.

Hunter immediately follows it, his tail wagging. He noses at the bottle until it stops rolling, then picks it up carefully in his mouth and brings it back to me.

“Are you okay?” Dominic asks, glancing over his shoulder as he sets down bread, butter, eggs, and milk.

I reach around to feel the back of my upper arm, my fingers finding a tender spot beneath a small bandage. “What is this?”

“Don’t fuck with it.” His voice is calm, unbothered. “A spider bit you while you were sleeping. I cleaned it up and bandaged it.”

Ew.I grimace. “I hate spiders,” I grumble, gently rubbing around the sore area.

Hunter nudges my leg, reminding me that he just retrieved my meds. “Aren’t you just the most clever dog,” I murmur, crouching to take the bottle from his mouth and scratching behind his ears. “Good boy. Thank you so much.”

Bottle in hand, I return to my seat at the island, setting it down on the counter top. Before I can even ask, Dominic slides a glass of water toward me.

“Should I worry about this being spiked?” I ask, half-teasing. I can’t see why he would do that right now, but I figure it doesn’t hurt to ask.

He leans against the counter, facing me with his palms flat on the marble surface. “No.”

His stare is so intense, I can’t stop myself from looking away.

“Look at me, Wren,” he commands, his tone rough.