Page 40 of Arrogant Puck

She narrows her eyes. “Don’t. You look cute, but I was wondering if you wanted to come out with me again. That bar was fun, right?”

“I can’t.” I keep my tone polite but firm. “And last time wasn’t really my scene. Sorry.”

“You sure?” she says, almost pouting. “You were so quiet, I feel like you didn’t give it a chance.”

I zip my bag shut. “Yeah. I’m good, though. But thanks.”

She shrugs and saunters off, heels clicking against the floor, leaving behind a cloud of sweet perfume and unspoken tension.

I stare at the closed door for a second too long, then take off this shirt and reach for something less cute. A tee I’ve had since high school will do. And then I grab my keys and head for the car.

My stomach is jolting with butterflies as I drive to his house again. When his gate is in front of me, my pulse jumps.

There’s no way he would know about Tyler and Marcus, right?

No.

Why would I even think that? I’m across the country. There’s no way he’s tied to them.

Whether I want to admit it or not, this job is putting me back into a situation I’m not comfortable in.

I can’t believe I’m coming back to this house.

To him.

The guy who put his hands on my throat again after I told him not to touch me like that.

I must be really stupid.

Chapter 14

She shows up at 7:50 this time.

I catch it on the surveillance screen before I even hear the knock. She parks in the same spot. Hair pulled back tighter tonight. Clothes casual. Not professional. Not gym gear. Just… tight black leggings and a baggy tee like she’s going to sleep.

Interesting.

When I open the door, her phone buzzes in her back pocket. She ignores it, but I don’t.

“You got a boyfriend?” I ask.

She barely blinks. “Yeah.”

I smirk. “Meeting with him after this?”

She shrugs, brushing past me like she doesn’t care what I think.

She follows me without saying another word until we’re back in the guest room—same one as last time. Nothing in here but a bedand a lit candle I forgot to blow out. Subtle vanilla. Whatever. I like it better than the stale air that used to hang in here.

She raises a brow, arms crossed. “Trying to mask a smell?”

I glance over my shoulder. “You trying to imply something?”

She walks in like she owns the place. “It’s just… an odd room. Empty.”

“You didn’t ask for a tour.”

She drops her bag, already annoyed. “Don’t need one. Lay down.”

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