AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I’m certain there’s something more in that hypnotic gaze. Or maybe I’m completely delusional.
The rumble of an approaching engine jerks my attention to the approaching BMW. Max jumps out and rounds the car, opening the back door. I hand him the crutches and scoop Maisy into my arms.
She lets out a squeal but shockingly doesn’t resist.
“Let’s go home, little fox.”
CHAPTER 8
HAPPY PILLS
Maisy
Nico glides across the living room, a glass of water clutched in his hand, with a fluidity of motion that should be impossible for a man his size. The familiarity that he has with my home is terrifying, while in the same vein oddly comforting. He looks good here. Dang good.
Oh, golly, I’ve clearly lost my mind. It must be the pain meds they gave me at the urgent care. It might only be a sprain, but my ankle hurts like a mother trucker. I close my eyes, and my world goes topsy turvy. A giggle escapes as I reopen them and find Nico watching me from across the kitchen island.
He cocks a dark brow, and darn dang it, he looks yummy enough to eat. Oh my gosh, what is in this bottle? I reach for the pain pills and stare at the white label. Take with food.
Yup, that’s definitely the problem. I left in such a rush this morning, I didn’t make my lunch and then I’d remained holed up in my office in a futile attempt at avoiding said mobster staring me down from across the room.
“Are you okay, little fox?”
“Shh-shure thing…” Oh lordy, am I slurring?
He stalks toward me, the faint crease between his dark brows deepening. “Then why are you looking at me like that?”
“Like what?” A tasty burger I want to sink my teeth into. Another burst of laughter explodes despite my best efforts to keep my big mouth shut.
Nico is hovering over me a second later, then folds down beside me, his dark slacks nearly brushing my skirt. An electric current surges between our thighs, and every nerve in my body is acutely aware of his proximity. What sorcery is this? His eyes remain locked on mine as he continues his lethal scrutiny. “Like you’ve become the stalker and I, your prey.”
“Ah, ha, so you admit it! You are stalking me?” I jab a finger into his chest and regret it immediately. Man, those sessions at Palestra sure are working out for him.
He shakes his head, an unfairly attractive smile parting his perfect lips. “I prefer the term keeping an eye on you for your own safety.”
It’s the second time he’s mentioned my safety. The first time, I blew it off as bull honky but now, I can’t help but worry. I spin around to face him and crisscross my legs. “Why wouldn’t I be safe?” My voice rises an embarrassing few notches.
“It’s nothing,” he mutters.
“Liar, liar pants on fire.” I slap my hand over my mouth once the singsong is out. Oh, shitzu, what is wrong with me? All the words just keep spilling out without my control.
A real smile slashes across Nico’s face, and it’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. I’m about a second away from running to the mirror to make sure I don’t have hearts bursting from my eyes. Yup, I’ve completely lost it.
“Tell me,” I whine.
His lips purse as he regards me. “Not yet, little fox, but maybe one day if you’re good.”
“Good?” I squeak. “What does that mean?”
A wicked grin brightens those crystalline orbs, and my mouth goes dry in anticipation. His gaze flickers to the portrait he painted on my mantel. “Let me paint you… nude.”
Fiery heat rises up my neck, diffuses across my cheeks and surges to the tips of my ears until I’m certain my face must match the deep red of my hair. “Are you out of your effing mind?” There aren’t enough happy pills in this entire bottle to make me agree to that.
“Absolutely not. On the contrary, I’ve never been thinking so clearly in my life. And, I’m quite certain you’d enjoy it.”
I snort on a laugh. The horrifying sound has my cheeks burning, and now I’m probably the shade of a tomato. “Not happening, buddy.”
He smirks and leans back on the couch, stretching his arm behind my shoulders. “We’ll see about that.”
