Page 9 of Savage in the Streets
God, why is my brain even going there? This man gets off on humiliating me, and that isnotmy jive.
“I can’t let you leave my apartment, but I can help you.”
I shake my head in angry frustration. “How? Are you going to pay to keep my shop open while I wait for my court date?”
“No, but one of my friends used to be a hairdresser. Her husband died, and she took some time off from work to stay home with her son. I hear she’s grown bored and would probably jump at the chance to take on some clients.”
I scoff. “Somehow, I doubt your little mom friend is going to appeal to my clientele.”
He takes out his phone, this thumbs flying across the screen.
“I don’t know. I think she might just have what it takes.”
He holds out his cell, which shows a pixie of a woman with bright pink hair holding an adorable little boy with a Mohawk.
I give a quick nod. “She’ll do.”
“I’ll give her a call. If she says yes, you’ll have to forward your schedule to her and get her up to speed.”
He steps away, and I get a chance to observe my surroundings without him hovering over me.
Light gray walls with dark blue accent tones give the place a masculine vibe. Everything is simple, yet expertly arranged.
And it all looks expensive.
Ward suddenly appears next to me, making my heart triple-beat.
“Jesus Christ—have you ever heard of personal space?”
“Mabel is thrilled for the chance to take on a few clients.”
“Her name is Mabel? Is she gonna be in a reboot of Golden Girls?”
“I’m gonna have to tell Mabel you said that. She’ll be amused.”
For the first time since I’ve met him, he gives a genuine smile, two deep-set dimples enhancing his devastatingly handsome face.
Oh fuck—why does this asshole have to be so hot?
Part of me wants to turn into a fawning schoolgirl, puff out my chest, and twirl my hair between my fingers, or rather, my dread.
But Ashton is so straight and narrow, I’m pretty sure he’d faint if I actually came onto him.
I clear my throat, trying hard not to let my eye rove his suited body. “The first appointment is in the afternoon tomorrow, so if I could touch base with her before then, that would be great.”
“It’s late. I’ll make sure you’re in touch with her in the morning, but forward me the schedule so I can pass it on.”
“Thanks.”
My eyes wander. Bad idea. His body, even though clothed, is unreal. He’s got to be well over six feet, his biceps clearly visible through his button-up shirt.
It’s been almost eight weeks since I’ve last had sex. Being around Ashton is going to be torture.
But then again, he’s acquainted with my brother, which instantly turns him from a high ten to a low four.
And even though he’s doing me a huge favor, I have to lay into him. “Why are you doing this for my brother? He’s scum, and you’re,” I gesture wildly around the room, “possible royalty if your goddamn lifestyle gives any indication?”
His eyes darken. The smile leaves his lips.
