Chapter 15
15
Faith woke up slowly.
There was something weird about where she was lying. It wasn’t the uncomfortable sofa bed in Cammie’s basement. She could actually stretch out. Although she still felt tired.
Seemed like she always felt tired lately.
She barely slept. The basement was cold, and damp, and she just never felt safe. She sat up with a gasp.
Definitely not the basement.
This was . . . this was Reuben’s office.
Holy heck balls.
“Ahh, you’re awake.” Reuben stepped out of the bathroom in a clean shirt.
What time was it? Had she slept all night?
Oh God.
She’d fallen asleep on top of him. How embarrassing.
“What time is it?” she asked, scrambling to stand up.
The world around her swayed.
Fudge knuckles.
“Are you all right? What’s wrong?” he snapped, grasping her around the waist.
Whoa. He could move fast when he wanted to.
“I’m okay . . . just my blood pressure. I have to be careful not to stand up too fast.”
“Then don’t stand up so fast again,” he grumbled at her. “It won’t help that you didn’t have dinner.”
No, that was true.
“You need to make sure that you’re eating and drinking properly. Or I’ll happily ensure that happens.”
Yikes.
“What time is it?” she repeated.
“It’s one in the morning. The power came back on about twenty minutes ago.”
Good. That was good, right?
“We can go home?”
He eyed her. “Yes.”
Why was he barely talking? Was he mad at her? Did she drool on him?
Oh God. That was it. He’d had to change shirts because she’d drooled on his last one.
Wait. No.
He hadn’t had a shirt on earlier when she’d fallen asleep in his lap.
Yikes.
“I’m sorry I fell asleep,” she said, looking around frantically for her handbag. “I, um . . . storms always freak me out, and I get tired, and yeah . . . ”
Wow.
“Why?” he asked.
“Why do I get tired? Adrenaline drop, I’m guessing.”
Shoot. Where was her handbag? Oh. wait, she’d left it in her office.
She’d get it on the way out. She just needed her phone.
Oh! There it was. She snatched it up.
“I guess I’ll be heading home now.” How was she going to get home at this time of night? The buses didn’t run this late.
She’d have to get a ride-share, which would cost her more than she wanted to spend. But she had no other choice.
“No. Why are you scared of storms?”
Oh. Right.
“I don’t know.”
He shot her a quelling look as though warning her not to bullshit him.
“It’s honestly the truth. I have no idea why I’m scared of storms. Or claustrophobic. Although that’s kind of common, right? To not like tight spaces? But the storms . . . yeah, no clue.”
He frowned but nodded and didn’t ask her anything more.
“Okay, well, thanks for, um, helping me while I freaked out. Bye.” She started toward the door. She’d nearly made it when an arm slipped around her waist.
“Where do you think you’re going, Little Blossom?” he asked, pressing her back against his chest.
Holy moly.
Her body tingled, her skin heating.
Did he know what he did to her every time he touched her?
She was starting to think that he did.
Evil fudging genius.
“I’m leaving,” she said, her pulse racing. “I’m going home.”
To see if she could get some sleep.
Yeah, like that’s going to happen.
“I didn’t give you permission to leave.”
Was he for real right now?
“I don’t need your permission to go home.”
“I don’t like this arguing back, Faith,” he told her in a low voice.
What the heck?
“I just want to go home. I’m tired. I . . . I need to go home. Please.”
Well, it didn’t take long for her to lose the backbone she’d found.
“Hmm. I don’t want you getting tired.” He released her and she swayed slightly.
Right. Well, she hadn’t expected him to just let her go. But she’d take it. She took a small step toward the door, not entirely convinced that the predator would really let her go.
“You still need to wait for me.”
And there it was.
She froze. “Why?”
“Because I’ll be taking you home.”
What?
Faith turned toward him, watching as he put on his suit jacket and adjusted the cuffs.
Why was that so sexy?
All he was doing was putting on a jacket. But she’d always been a sucker for a man in a suit.
She didn’t know why. Matt hadn’t even owned one. Just getting him into a button-up shirt was a miracle.
Urgh, why did she keep doing this? She had to stop comparing Matt to Reuben.
Matt was kind. Gentle. He’d always listened to her. He’d let her do whatever she wanted when she wanted.
She’d been the one who’d ruined things. Who’d let Matt down.
It wasn’t fair to compare him to this man. Reuben was everything she didn’t want in a man.
Right?
Right.
Even if he was incredibly sexy.
“Come,” he said. Placing a hand on the small of her back, he directed her through the door to her office.
“I need my handbag.”
She stepped away and grabbed her handbag, putting the strap over her shoulder before he led her to the elevator.
Faith swallowed heavily as she stared at the closed elevator doors. “You know what? I think I’ll take the stairs.”
What if the electricity went out while they were in the elevator? She didn’t like those small metal death traps at the best of times, but right now the thought of getting into one made her want to vomit.
She’d just turned toward the stairwell when he grabbed her around the waist again. “You’re taking the elevator.”
“No. Nope. I’ll take the stairs. And I think I can get myself home.”
“I’m taking you home. Unless you’d rather come to my home.”
No. No, she would rather not do that. She shook her head.
“And you’re not taking the stairs. We’re thirty floors up. I know you don’t like elevators, but I’m not going to let anything happen to you.”
So it would take her a while to get down. She could manage it now that the electricity was back on. Better than plunging to her death when the electricity went out again.
He lifted her up and carried her into the elevator.
“Hey!” she cried out. “You can’t just pick me up and put me where you want me.”
“Why not?”
She spluttered. “B-because I have f-free will!”
“Interesting that you think that.” He pushed the button for the underground garage before setting her on her feet. She moved to the other side of the elevator, and he gave her an amused glance. “Because you don’t.”
This was . . . he was . . . out of control!
“You’re nuts.”
“I’m also the person who is in charge now. Do you not remember what you agreed to?”
Wait. Did he really mean because she’d said yes to him helping her?
He’s joking.
Well, maybe not joking. Reuben wasn’t the joking type. But he was definitely teasing her.
Hmm. Nope. Try again.
Trying to rattle her?
Yes, that sounded more likely.
When she’d agreed to that she’d been freaking out because of the storm. And she’d told him it was just for the night.
He wasn’t going to start taking over her life and making decisions.
Being her Daddy.
No. Nope.
That would be insane.
Right?
“You’re tense. But you shouldn’t be scared since that’s an insult to me.”
An insult to him?
“How do you figure that?” she asked.
“Because you should trust me to keep you safe.”
Her mouth opened and closed. What did you say to such an outrageous statement?
Nothing. When it’s your boss, you say nothing.
“I don’t think you have any control over electricity.”
Or alternatively, you open your big mouth and say that.
“If the electricity goes out again, you don’t have to worry because I will make sure you’re protected.”
She wanted to ask him how he’d manage that while plummeting to their death, but the elevator came to a soft stop.
Breathing a sigh of relief, she stepped out as soon as the doors opened. Solid ground.
Hallelujah.
“Come.”
That was all he said. And he expected her to just come? She stood there, staring at his back.
“Do not test me, Faith.”
Yeah. He was out of control.
And so was her reaction to him. Because there was no way the idea of pushing him intrigued her.
Right?
Urgh, you’re in trouble here, Faith.
“Faith,” he said warningly.
Why didn’t she like him calling her by her first name?
Right, because it felt like a scolding.
She ran after him, nearly tripping up over her own feet. He turned and frowned. “Slow down.”
Sheesh.
He’d told her to come and now he was telling her to slow down. What did he want?
When she grew closer, he wrapped his hand around hers. His hold was surprisingly gentle, but she felt like it was burning her skin as he led her to his car.
It was black. No surprises there, since it was the color of his soul.
It was also sleek and stylish. She’d bet it cost more than her debts combined.
“I can’t decide whether or not to be jealous of the way you look at my car.”
“What?” She startled and glanced over at him.
“You’re looking at it like you want to devour it.”
Faith could feel herself growing red. She moved toward the passenger door, but before she could reach it, he was there, pulling the door open for her.
Okay. That was very gentlemanly. She’d never had someone open a car door for her.
She climbed in and he bent down after her. What was he doing?
To her shock, Reuben grabbed her seatbelt and drew it over her, his arm brushing against her tight nipples.
Then he shut her door.
Did he . . . did he really just do up her seatbelt?
As he walked around to the driver’s side, she glanced around. This car screamed expensive. Everything was gleaming, and the seats felt like real leather.
Of course, they’re leather, you idiot.
After he got in, he started his car and pulled out of the underground parking lot.
“What’s your address?”
She gave it to him and he nodded. They drove in silence. Leaning back against her seat, she watched the city out the window. It amazed her how even at one-thirty in the morning, the city still felt so alive.
A yawn took her by surprise, and she realized how cozy she felt. Warm and snug.
At ease.
“Are these heated seats?” she asked.
“Uh-huh,” he replied. He was strangely quiet. What was he thinking about?
“They’re nice.”
“Glad you like them,” he said dryly as he pulled up outside her house.
Well, her friend’s house.
To her shock, he turned the car off and then undid his seatbelt.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“Walking you in.”
“You don’t have to. I can get inside on my own.”
“I don’t believe I asked.”
She huffed out a sigh as he got out.
Undoing her seatbelt, she opened her door.
“What do you think you’re doing?” he asked as he grabbed her door.
“Um, getting out of the car.” She glanced around in bewilderment. She hadn’t accidentally scratched his car or anything, had she?
“You do not open your own door nor do up or undo your own seatbelt.”
Would she ever understand this guy? He was grumbly. Grouchy. Stern.
Yet he got upset at her undoing her own seatbelt?
He walked with her up to the front door.
Fudge knuckles.
She was supposed to use the basement entrance, but she couldn’t lead Reuben down there. With how unpredictable he was being, he was likely to take issue with her living in the basement.
So she had to get rid of him before she went inside.
“At least you live in a decent neighborhood,” he muttered.
“You thought I lived in the slums, didn’t you?” she said lightly.
To be honest, she kind of did. The basement was awful. It was damp and filled with mold and mice. But at least the rest of the neighborhood was safe when she had to walk through it from the bus stop.
“Well, good night.”
“Not going to ask me in, Little Blossom?” he asked, his voice tinged with amusement.
Invite him in?
No. Nope. You never invited the Prince of Darkness into your house.
“Oh, wait, that’s vampires,” she muttered.
To her shock, he let out a short laugh. “I’m not a vampire, Little Blossom. If I want to go inside, I can.”
Fudge knuckles.
She was in trouble here.
“I have roommates. I can’t risk waking them up.”
“Roommates? Who?” he asked.
“My friend and her husband. This is their house. I’m just staying here.”
Shit. They were going to wake up Eric. Fear filled her.
He wouldn’t hurt her.
She was fairly certain.
But he was a jerk.
“What’s wrong?” he rumbled. “Do you not want to stay here? That’s it. You’re coming with me.”
What the heck?
Um. Nope. She was not going anywhere with him.
Not. Happening.
“What? No. No, I do. I’m just worried we’ll wake up half the neighborhood.” She forced irritation into her voice. “And I’m tired and cold. And you’re keeping me out here talking. Good night. Uh, thanks for everything.”
She couldn’t help but add on that last sentence.
Her mama had taught her to always use her manners.
Turning, she grabbed her keys from her handbag, grateful that Cammie had given her a key to the front door.
For emergencies.
Then she unlocked it and stepped inside.
Reuben didn’t say another word and she breathed out a sigh of relief.
Well, that’s what she told herself it was.
“Lock the door, Faith,” he growled.
She jumped, letting out a short squeal.
Oh God. Crap.
Turning, she set the deadbolt.
“See you in the morning. Come in late. Catch up on your sleep.”
She shot him a salute.
“Just be grateful I can’t see whatever face or gesture you’re doing right now. Or I’d have to punish you.”
She let out a sigh of relief as she heard him walking away. She slid down on her ass to the floor.
Suddenly, a light went on and she gasped, looking up in shock at Eric’s sneering face.
“What the fuck do you think you’re doing, Faith?”
Faith tensed. Fuck. She tried very hard not to be on her own with Eric. It made her feel terrible, but she honestly felt nauseous around him. She always had.
She’d tried to tell Cammie once before they’d gotten married. It was the only real fight she’d ever had with her friend. Cammie had accused her of being jealous.
Faith had never said another word against Eric.
But there was something wrong with him.
“You’re not to use this entrance. This isn’t your house, Faith. You’re supposed to stay in the fucking basement. Bad enough I have to have you in my house, but I shouldn’t have to actually fucking see you.”
Faith stood but had to lean heavily against the door to keep herself standing.
Why did she stay here? Oh, yeah, because the rent was cheap, and in a decent neighborhood. She had some money saved up, but everywhere she could afford was dodgy.
“I’m sorry, Eric.”
“Sorry, that’s all I ever hear from you. You’re always sorry after the fact.” He stormed over to her. Where was Cammie? Was she all right? Was she sleeping through all of this?
To her shock, he reached out and grabbed hold of her arm. His hold was so tight that she let out a gasp of pain.
“Shut up,” he said to her. “You’ve already caused enough issues, you don’t need to be waking up Cammie too.”
“S-sorry,” she said.
“What are you doing getting in this late, anyway?” he asked, staring at her.
God, she hated the way he looked at her. As though he hated her.
“I was w-working.”
“Working, right.” He scoffed. “Working at what? You been whoring this tight little body out, Faith?” He shook her, and she whimpered.
What the hell was happening? What was wrong with him?
“I’m not a whore. It was the storm. It knocked out the electricity to our building.”
“Likely story.” He dragged her closer, and his putrid breath hit her, making her stomach roll.
God, how did Cammie stand to sleep next to this man? Kiss him? Touch him?
Sure, he might seem nice-looking—if you didn’t know him. But to her, he was monstrously ugly.
“You’ve been whoring yourself out, haven’t you, Faith?” He shook her again, slamming her into the door. “What would your family say? Huh? You know what . . . since they’re not here, I guess it’s up to me to teach you the error of your ways. Would you like me to do that, Faith?”
“N-no. Stay away from me.”
She tried to shove him, but Eric was a big guy.
Plus, he was mean.
All things that were not working in her favor.
“Eric?”
Faith tensed as she heard Cammie call out. Eric glared down at her.
“Is something wrong?” Cammie asked.
“Just your slut friend coming in at all hours of the morning. Don’t know why you were worried about her, Cammie. She’s just fine. Survived the storm with her boss.”
There was a sneer in his voice. A double meaning. But Faith wasn’t sure if Cammie heard it and ignored it or if she didn’t hear it at all.
Maybe she never had.
Perhaps Eric had always been like this . . . and Cammie liked him that way.
God. That thought was sickening.
“Faith? You’re really okay?” Cammie asked, stepping forward.
She wasn’t going to object to Eric calling her a slut? Then again, Cammie rarely went against him. She always did what he wanted and agreed with whatever he said.
What had happened to her headstrong, fun-loving friend?
Eric happened. That’s what.
Cammie was so thin. When had she gotten that thin? Was she even eating? Worry filled Faith, but she tried to hide it behind a smile.
“I’m fine. I tried to send you a message, but it can’t have gone through. I’m really sorry I worried you. And woke you up.”
No way was she apologizing to Eric. He could suck on a giant dick.
“No, I’m glad you woke me up. I was so concerned. I tried to call you as well, but it wouldn’t go through. I guess the storm was interfering with the signal or something.”
Faith rushed toward her, giving Eric a wide berth as she hugged her friend gently.
Fudge knuckles.
Was she even bonier than when Faith first got here? Maybe she needed to come out of the basement more often to check on her. But it didn’t always seem like Cammie wanted her there.
“Do you want me to stay up here with you?” she offered, even though the last thing she wanted was to spend more time with Eric.
“Cammie needs her sleep,” Eric said sharply.
Cammie seemed to tense. Were things not good between them? But then she relaxed and looked up at Eric with a smile.
“This guy. Always looking out for me. I best get to bed.”
“Yeah. Sure.”
She watched Eric warily as he led her friend away. There was something not right between them. Something more than Eric being a giant bag of dicks.
Okay.
Why were all her insults about dicks?
And why did Eric rub her so wrong when Reuben didn’t? Reuben loved to tell her what to do. He was controlling.
And he spent all night taking care of you, soothing you, doing what was best for you.
Fuck.
God. She wanted her boss.
This was so bad on so many levels.