“What? Nothing…I mean, I got creeped out for a second, but he didn’t touch me if that’s what you were wondering.”
“What did he say?” His jaw is clenched tight as he forces the words out. “For fuck sake, Lyla, tell me,” he pleads, his eyes look tormented as he struggles to keep it together.
“That it’s about time I be more thankful to the one who is taking care of me,” I say quietly.
“Get your things. We are leaving.”
“I can’t leave. I need this job, Jake. I can’t just quit. Not until I have something else lined up.”
“I am not leaving you here with him. I saw the way he looked at you. God only knows what repulsive thoughts are going through his head. It’s only a matter of time before that fucker puts his hands on you, and I’m not taking the chance that it won’t happen.”
“Well, you don’t have a choice.” I place the pies on the counter and begin setting them up on the rack.
“Jesus, you are so stubborn.” He runs his hand furiously through his hair and begins pacing. “What if I told you I want to hire you? Would you quit then?” He stops and stares at me.
“You want to hire me?” I ask, shocked.
“Yes. My brother and I have been wanting to hire someone to do some light cleaning around our house and cooking. I can’t think of a better cook than you. You would be perfect.”
“You want to hire me as your personal chef and housekeeper?” Dumbfounded, I raise my eyebrow at him.
“Yes, it’s the perfect solution.” He walks around the counter, invading my space.
“You don’t have to do this, Jake,” I say, shaking my head.
“And what exactly do you think I’m doing?” His hand comes out to brush a piece of my hair. When his fingers graze my cheek, I feel that same familiar pull that I felt the night on the beach.
“You are making up some fake job position. I don’t need you to save me,” I whisper.
He steps closer and weaves his hands into my hair, grasping my cheeks with both hands and resting his forehead against mine. “Maybe it’s you who’s saving me…”
CHAPTER EIGHT
JAKE
Ihave no clue what I’m doing, but all I know is I can’t leave her here, not with him around. I spent all morning debating on whether to come here or not, but something told me I had to see her today. As soon as I saw her, I knew something was wrong, even though she tried to play it off.
That sick fuck overstepped his boundaries for the last time with her, and if I have to make up some fake job position to get her to leave, then I will. Besides, it’s not entirely out of left field. I work a lot of odd hours, and it would be nice not to have to cook all the time or get takeout on the way home.
“Please say yes.” I breathe her in and close my eyes, praying she won’t fight me on this. I don’t know what it is about her, but ever since she came crashing into my life, it’s been turned upside down.
She’s invaded my every thought…made me feel things I’ve never felt before. All I want to do is keep her safe and let her know that she’s not alone anymore.
“Yes,” she whispers so softly that I almost miss it.
“Thank you.” I take in a jagged breath to try and get oxygen to my starved lungs. Every part of me wants to kiss her rightnow, but I promised I wouldn’t cross the line unless she asked me to. I make myself take a step back and release my hold on her. It’s enough for now that she trusts me enough to quit this job.
“Where are your things?”
“In the back. I need to tell Al and get my purse.” She moves toward the kitchen door. “I’ll be right back in a second.”
“I’m going with you.” I don’t know what Al is going to say when she quits, but she’s damn sure not going to do it alone. I think she knows it too because she doesn’t question me when I follow her.
She gets her bag from a small cabinet in the back and turns around when Al’s voice fills the air.
“Where do you think you’re going? Your shift isn’t over for three more hours.” I give him a look that a normal, sane person would take the hint not to breathe another word. Like a dumb ass, he ignores it and hones in on Lyla.
“I quit.”
