Page 34 of Wreck Me

‘This it?’ James’s head snaps up. Frown lines crease his forehead.

‘This is it. Home sweet home.’ I shrug, taking in the shabby, broken front door and the litter discarded either side of it.

James pinches the bridge of his nose and exhales heavily. ‘Not anymore it isn't. You’re coming home with me.’

Chapter Seventeen

JAMES

Scarlett opens her mouth like she’s about to protest, then closes it again.

Even through the moonlight, it’s clear the front door is hanging from its rusty hinges. The wood is so splintered, the slightest puff of air could blow it down.

It’s about as secure as a matchbox.

I sigh. Moving my fake girlfriend into my house wasn't part of my plan. I never take women home. Ever. But Scarlett isn't just any woman, she’s the one woman I haven't been able to erase from my mind from the moment I laid eyes on her. Having her under my roof will prove to be a special type of torture, given her ‘conditions’.

But I can’t leave her here. Actually, I don’twantto leave her here.

I thought I was obsessed with her before, but after tonight’s dinner, that obsession has only intensified. And this shit show of an excuse for an apartment block is the perfect excuse to take her home with me.

‘I know it’s far from pretty but it’s fine for me.’ Scarlett’s teeth tug at her lower lip.

‘It’s not a matter of aesthetics, it’s a matter of safety.’ I shove my phone in my suit trousers and slide across the leather. ‘Let’s get your things.’

‘Really, there’s no need,’ she insists as Tim opens the door.

‘Scarlett, I have fourteen guest bedrooms. You can take your pick but you’re not staying here.’ A needle I spot discarded in the gutter reinforces my point.

Her eyes dart between my face and the building she calls home. ‘Honestly, go home. I’m fine.’

‘Over my dead body.’ She flinches. ‘I’ll help you get your belongings, but this isn't up for negotiation. In fact, I’m officially making it a condition of our arrangement.’

Her shoulders sink, like she finally realises I’m not going to take no for an answer. ‘How about I stay for a night or two, until we can get the door fixed?’

I inhale slowly. ‘We’ll explore the logistics later.’ Right now, I just need to get her the hell away from here. ‘Do you have the keys?’ I motion to her handbag.

‘This is crazy,’ she says. ‘We barely know each other.’

‘Perhaps it’s the perfect opportunity to get to know each other, given we’re going to have to convince my family we’re in love.’ I pause.

‘But –’ she opens her mouth but I cut her off.

‘No woman of mine is staying somewhere like this.’

‘I’m not your woman. I’m pretending to be your woman. It’s different.’ She flicks her hair back from her face defiantly.

I take a step towards her, until we’re toe-to-toe, hip-to-hip. Energy thrums and vibrates between us. Tim shifts on his feet and looks the other way.

I cup her chin and tilt her face up until our eyes lock. ‘You agreed to be mine, on paper at least. And I take care of what’s mine.’ Prising the keys from her hand, I take them in my own, stride towards the front door and unlock it.

I glance through the dim dingy hall. ‘No lift?’ I hiss and she scoffs, striding in behind me.

‘Welcome to the real world, Mr Beckett.’ Amusement tinges her tone.

The place is eerily silent, bar the noise from the passers-by on the street outside. I take the stairs, two at a time. They’re a fucking death trap. One misplaced foot and it’s game over.

Scarlett points to a door at the far end of the corridor. I slide the key into the lock. Before my foot is even fully inside the door, I vow she’ll never spend another night here.

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