Page 15 of Owned

I exhale, shaking my head. “I need to shower, Riku. You can go. Thank you for… everything.”

He scoffs. “I’ll wait.”

“You—”

“You’re coming back to my place later, anyway.” He shrugs like it’s that simple. “Might as well make sure you get there safely.”

My mouth opens. Closes. I don’t even know what to say to that. Because the scary thing is, he’s right. I know it. Riku knows it.

I’m so screwed.

Chapter 10

MARYAM

I cross my arms, standing firm, ignoring the way Riku looks completely at home in my apartment.

“I have things to do today,” I announce.

He lifts a brow, unimpressed. “And?”

I exhale sharply. “And I’m not spending the entire weekend locked away in your house, being…” I wave a hand at his freaking mouthwatering self. “Manhandled.”

His lips twitch. “You didn’t seem to mind last night… or this morning.”

I feel my face heat, but I keep my stance. “I have errands to run: groceries, laundry… Things that don’t involve you.” I tilt my head. “You can go now.”

He just… stares. Raising that irritating, thick, inky, perfect brow again. Then he stands. Slowly, deliberately.

I resist the urge to step back. Barely.

“I’ll drive you,” he finally says, completely unfazed.

This man makes me lose my ability to form complete sentences.

“You have errands,” he shrugs, like it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “I’ll come with you.”

“No,” I try to stand my ground.

“Yes.”

I throw my hands up. “Riku, you’re a—” I lower my voice like someone can hear me. “A Yakuza enforcer.” I gesture again. “You don’t run errands.”

His expression doesn’t change. “Guess I do now.”

Oh My God. He’s serious.

I let out a frustrated groan, muttering curses under my breath as I turn to my closet. Clearly, this man is not leaving.

* * *

RIKU

Maryam thinks I’m letting her out of my sight? Not happening.

I watch as she huffs around her bedroom, pulling on clothes, still muttering to herself.

She’s annoyed.

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