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“We come from different worlds,” she states the obvious. “Honestly, it’s the first time I’m in a nice place like this. It’s obvious you’re used to expensive things.”
I shrug and tilt my head. “Your point being?”
“You’re rich, and I’m not.”
I stare at her for a long moment, realizing money is a big issue for her.
My tone is soft as I say, “It’s not a problem for me.”
She gives me a mocking look. “Yeah, until you find out where I live.” Her shoulders slump slightly, then she says, “Look, the sex was great, and I’ve enjoyed hanging out with you, but I don’t see this going anywhere.”
Feeling tense, I mutter, “I think you’re wrong. As you said, the sex was great. That alone is a reason to keep seeing each other.”
“I’m not going to be your fuck buddy.”
“I don’t take my fuck buddies on dates.”
She rubs her palm over her forehead, looking frustrated, then she suddenly admits, “I live in Brownsville.”
Christ.
It’s impossible for me to hide the shock at hearing she lives in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in New York. Brownsville is a fucking thorn in the Cosa Nostra’s side with all the drug dealers and gangs running rampant in the area.
“See. I was right.” Eden misinterprets my reaction. “Rich people like you will always look down on the poor.”
Standing up, she walks to where her coat is hanging.
A coat that’s so fucking worn it can’t possibly keep her warm.
“I’m shocked because you live in a dangerous area,” I explain. “Sit down.” She hesitates, which has me adding, “Please.”
Eden looks visibly upset as she takes a seat again, and I wait for her to meet my eyes before I say, “I don’t care whether you’re poor or rich, but hearing you live in such a dangerous place, where drug dealers and gangs are out of control, worries the fuck out of me.”
Her shoulders hunch forward. “It’s home and not all bad.”
She’s living in a fucking war zone, but if I make an issue out of it, she’s going to walk out of here, and I’ll never see her again.
Fuck.
She leans a little forward in her seat. “Most of my neighbors are hard-working people. We look out for each other.” She stares at me for a moment, then says, “If it’s something that’s going to bother you, then it’s best we end things now.”
Knowing she has people looking out for her makes me feel better, but I need to get the word out in Brownsville that no one’s to lay a finger on her.
“It doesn’t bother me,” I say to put her at ease.
When I resume eating, Eden clears her throat. “I tend to get defensive about my circumstances.”
I let out a chuckle. “I’ve noticed.”
“I don’t expect anything from you,” she blurts out. When I glance at her, she explains, “Like…stuff. I don’t need you buying me shit to win me over. I’m here because I like you.” When I nod, she adds, “And the sex is good.”
She likes me. It’s a start.
Laughter escapes from me, which eases the tension in the air. “Eat your food so I can take you home, and we can check whether the great sex was a one-time thing.”
“I’m warning you now, you and your sports car are going to stand out like a sore thumb.”
Every drug dealer and gang member knows who I am, and they won’t dare fuck with me.
