Page 9 of Hell's Kitten

God, it’s like catnip to me.

“Uh, no. Not exactly,” he says with a nervous laugh. “It’s fine, though. I’ll be fine. I’ve got a few days to get my shit together. I’m sure it’ll work out. Thank you for coming out to find me, butI’ve already caused you enough trouble. You probably need to get back to work.”

Rather than sounding like he’s trying to get rid of me, he sounds deflated. Like he knows this—whatever is going on here—can’t last.

But I’m not satisfied. Not until I know he’s going to be okay if I walk away.

“So, where are you staying?” I push.

He shrugs and nibbles on his thumbnail. “I only got into town yesterday.” I don’t say anything. I just keep my gaze on him until he starts to squirm. I might not behisDaddy, but that doesn’t mean I’m not above using Daddy tactics on him. Eventually, he cracks with a dismissive wave of his hand. “I slept in my car last night, but hopefully?—”

“Thefuck?”I blurt out so loudly I feel the little tabby in my pocket stir. Jessie also gapes at me. “Some shithead cheated on you, dumped you, and has left you to sleep in your fucking car. Have I got that right?”

Jessie shrinks back from me, which is the last thing I wanted him to do. But I’m also aware that I’m radiating fury, and don’t blame him for wanting a bit more distance between the two of us.

“Honestly, it’s not your problem,” he says with a shaky smile, not sounding convinced at all. “I’m sorry I made a scene at your café, but?—”

“Stop saying you’re sorry,” I grumble as I get to my feet and shove my hand at him again. This time it’s not to shake but to pull him up as well. “You haven’t done anything wrong, Jessie. Come on.”

“Come…where?” he says uncertainly as he rises.

“You tell me,” I reply. “Where’s your car?”

He rubs the back of his neck. “Uh, I parked it in a lot a few blocks over. Why?”

“We need to get your stuff,” I say, already marching in the direction he indicated.

“Oh-kay,” he says, falling into step with me. “Butwhy?I haven’t got anywhere to go yet.”

“Yes, you do,” I say mulishly. “You’re moving in with me.”

CHAPTER 5

Jessie

What is happening right now?

No, I’m serious. Anyone know?

I traipse after Nim in a sort of daze, feeling like I don’t have a choice. But I kind oflikethat. Wasn’t this what Parker was supposed to do? Just…take care of me. I realize he never at any point agreed to that, and in the glaring light of day, I don’t think he’d actually ever be capable of it. But whether or not I realized it, I think that’s what I’ve been craving.

And somehow…it’s just fallen right into my lap.

No.No!This guy is simply being nice. He feels sorry for me. I’m not sure what he really means about living with him or whatever. But if he’s got a spare room that’s safe and doesn’t cost a fortune, good lord I’ll jump at the chance.

“Um, here we go,” I say sheepishly as we approach my car.

I’m confused as to why I’m bothering to be embarrassed now. He already knows my whole sorry state of affairs. I just wish it hadn’t come to this. I spent so long looking after Mom and myself I thought moving to a new town would be a piece of cake. Instead, everything fell apart the moment I arrived.

My car is a hunk of junk, but she’s got me this far in life, and I can’t help but love her. The silver body has some dents, and Idread to think how many miles she has on the clock, but she’s never not started on me yet. Her name is Purrsephone. Not that anyone but my mom knows that.

I walk toward the trunk to get whatever of my stuff we can carry. But Nim goes to the passenger side door, tries the locked handle, then looks expectantly at me.

“Oh, um,” I utter. “Are you…? Did you want to…uh?”

“We’re driving back to the café,” he says like it was obvious.

I look at him for a second. He’s not mad at me, but he does have an expectant look on his face. I’m not sure what’s going on, but I don’t really feel like I’m in the position to be questioning anything, either. If he says he’s going to help me, I have this crazy notion that’s exactly what he intends to do.

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