turns to me. “Alright. Grab your stuff and let’s go.”
“Uh... what?”
“My place. Your front door’s broken, and same with the main door downstairs. That’s how I got in so quick. You can’t sleep here, so you’ll sleep at my place.”
It makes sense. God knows I don’t feel like sleeping alone right now, but isn’t this moving a bit quick? “You just want to get in my pants, don’t you.”
“Can’t. You’re not wearing any.” His face is deadpan.
I raise my eyebrow.
“Listen, I’m not putting the moves on you here. Not in the market, remember? I’ve got a spare bedroom.”
“You were looking pretty market-ready before the cops got here.”
“Seriously? I’m trying to imagine the guy that would not get hard with you standing there naked, and I’m coming up empty. Maybe if you’d just kicked him in the balls or something like that.”
“Thanks? I think?”
“I’m not going to do a thing, other than make sure you sleep safely tonight. Doesn’t sound that horrible, does it? Tomorrow we can find you a locksmith to take care of your door. Now get your stuff. You’re not the only one falling asleep here. And I’m cold.”
Right, just boxers. No point arguing; he’s right. “Okay, I’ll be out in a sec.” Change of clothes, toothbrush, shampoo, duffel bag. Good enough. I’m not moving in, after all.
––––––––
H is place is bigger than I expected. And nicer. Way nicer. Penthouse, floor-to-ceiling windows, a view of the whole city. Soft expensive-looking carpets and glass tables. A whole series of BDSM themed paintings hang on the walls, seemingly of the same couple. I don’t look too close, in case they’re of him and Vivian. Being a Dom pays better than I thought.
Never mind that there’s a half-empty box of pizza on the coffee table, empty beer cans on the bar that separates the kitchen from the living room and clothes thrown over chair backs all over the place. Expensive, but still a bachelor’s pad.
He begins to tidy up, looking embarrassed. “Sorry about the mess. Wasn’t really expecting company tonight.”
“Whatever. I just need to sleep. You could live in a pig sty for all I care.”
“Right. Your bedroom’s in there.” He points at a door, then points at another. “Bathroom in there. My room’s over there, and if you wake up before me, help yourself to anything in the kitchen.” He opens a shallow closet. “Should even have some spare sheets.”
“Trust me. I’ll sleep on these carpets if you let me. I think they might be softer than my bed.” I drop my bag in the room, and collapse onto the king size mattress. God, it’s perfect. “Never mind. This is good.” At least I’ve taken my shoes off.
He actually picks me up and puts me down on the rug.
“Hey!”
“Just fixing your sheets.” Quickly and efficiently, he does them up, tight enough for an army inspection. Then, as if I don’t weigh a thing, he picks me up and puts me back. “Tempting as it is, I’ll leave you to undress yourself if you want.” He grins.
I’m already dozing. “Sure, whatever.” I wave. “I’ll see you in the morning”.
“Doubt it. It’s rare I’m up until early afternoon. I work late, remember.”
“Right.”
“Good night.” He closes the door before I can reply. I mumble something anyway, and then everything fades.
Chapter 6
Dawn
W here the hell am I? I wake up groggy and with no idea what time it is. The bed’s soft and warm and I’m still dressed, but I don’t recognize it. I close my eyes. Let’s try this again.
The room’s the same, but last night comes back with a rush. The break-in. Gabriel’s rescue. Cops. Fancy apartment, and the soft bed I’m in. I wipe the sleep out of my eyes and sit up, checking my phone. 11:30 AM. Shit, I gotta call work!
Luckily, even Mr. Harrison thinks a break-in and seeing the police excuses tardiness. In an unusual display of kindness, he gives me the rest of the day off to get things