AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“My word is good. I just want to know why you were sleeping in my garbage can.” Concern captured his features.
My mouth gaped open as my attention landed on him. His deep chocolate-colored eyes peered into my soul, leaving me breathless. His dark brown hair was longer on top and shaved on the sides. His full lips and the tip of his nose were red from the cold. Even beneath his long-sleeved shirt, I could see his arm and chest muscles bulging against the white fabric. Gray sweats hung low on his hips, and my pulse kicked up as I savored the vision of him.
Dammit. Why was I checking this guy out when I needed to do some fast-talking and not get arrested for trespassing?
His expression morphed into shock and anger, then his gaze finally filled with compassion. “You’ve been hurt.” His deep voice sent chills down my spine.
“I’ll leave. I’m sorry. I got lost last night and—”
“You were walking around at night when it was only thirty-four degrees?” He ran his fingers through his hair, curiosity flickering over his gorgeous features.
“I’m from out of town.” I gulped, still refusing to lower my blade.
“Why don’t you come inside and shower? I’ll make breakfast.”
I backed away, nearly tripping over the recycling bin.
“Whoa.” Before I could blink, he reached out and grabbed my arm, saving me from landing on my ass again.
My knife clattered to the ground. He bent over, scooped it up, and folded the blade closed. “Here.” He gave it to me. “I swear you’re safe, and I understand if you don’t believe me, but I’m telling the truth. I don’t want to hurt you. Keep your knife close if you want. But come in, warm up, and eat. My parents aren’t home, so you won’t have to answer a bunch of questions, either ... Well, just mine.” He gave me a lopsided grin. My stomach growled and he held his palm out to me. “I won’t bite. Come on. It’s fucking freezing out here.”
“My backpack is still in the container.” My heart hammered against my chest. If I crawled inside the bin to get my bag, I would be a target again. He’d already caught me off guard once.
“I’ve got it.” Before I could protest, he lowered to the frozen ground, then reached inside and produced my bag for me. He stood and offered me my stuff.
“Thanks.” I clutched it to my chest with my free hand while holding my knife in tightly clenched fingers.
“I’m Holden, by the way. Holden Alastair.” He took a few steps toward his house, then paused and waved me forward. “My sister is in Spain right now, but I’m pretty sure she wouldn’t care if you borrowed some of her clothes. I can wash what you have on.”
“I have clothes,” I snapped.
My rude remark didn’t seem to deter him.
“Okay. I was just trying to help. How does an omelet and sausage sound for breakfast?” He continued walking until he reached the slider.
Over the years of living with Dan, I had to learn to trust my intuition. Most of the time, it had served me well, but I wasn’t sure that my fear of being raped again wouldn’t overrule the kind offers Holden was giving me. My legs trembled as I stood rooted in place, and I contemplated whether I would be safe in his home, or if I should save myself now while I still could.
Chapter Six
Holden shoved his hands in the pockets of his sweats. “Listen, you’ve obviously been through a traumatic experience. I mean, you picked my recycling bin to sleep in over everyone else’s in the area. Call me silly, but maybe fate brought you here. Maybe I’m the friend you’ve been praying for. Maybe not. Regardless, come in and eat. After that, you’re free to go or shower. You can even eat breakfast right next to the slider. That way, if you feel the need to leave, you can.”
The more he stared at me, the more I wanted to throw caution to the wind. Finally, my basic need for food and warmth won. “Okay. I’ll stand there.” I nodded nervously. At least I would be able to run if I felt that I was in danger.
Holden disappeared into the house, and I followed, closing the door behind me. My attention landed back on him, and I tracked him like he was a feral animal about to attack at any given moment. He strolled through the family room, then into the kitchen, completely relaxed that a stranger was in his home. With the open floor plan, it was easy for him to keep an eye on me as well.
“Holy shit,” I said before I could stop myself.
Holden pulled out a skillet from the lower cabinet and twirled it in his hand, grinning. “What are you shitting about?” A deep chuckle rumbled from his chest.
“Your house is … stunning. You have a water fountain in the middle of the room.” I pointed and gawked as the sound soothed my frayed nerves. A blue-and-tan rug covered a large portion of the white marble floor.
I took in the triple crown molding and tray ceilings, buttery brown leather couches, dual-sided stone fireplace, and a television that would have taken up an entire side of the trailer I used to live in. Well, that was an exaggeration, but I had no idea they made TVs that big. I leaned against the wall and absorbed the beautiful kitchen: black-and-brown marble tops, dark cabinets, and the appliances all in stainless steel. I’d only dreamed of a kitchen as gorgeous as this one.
“Have you lived here long?” My voice cracked, and I was suddenly embarrassed that I was the poor girl in ratty clothes standing in his home.
“Yup, all my life. Mom wants to update the house, but Dad told her there’s no need to since they’re never here. Plus, there’s nothing to really do unless she wants to change paint or countertop colors. It’s kind of silly to me.”
“Why aren’t they ever around?” I hoped he would continue to divulge information. I didn’t want to be caught off guard by someone walking through the door.
