“Brother are you good?” I ask.
The weird thing is, Link just stands there with this weird expression on his face. He looks upset.
“Yeah. I think we should set up some… boundaries.”
No this asshole did not.
Now he wants to set up boundaries? With me of all people?
Really trying to not let my anger get the best of me, but oh my God is he testing me. It’s like he’s always constantly trying to piss me off. It’s as if it’s his default setting or something to do that.
Turning to face him, my arms fold. “Oh please do,” I let the snark fly.
Breathing in, he adjusts his erection and walks closer to me until there’s only two feet between us.
“I told you I won’t pursue you. And… I’m going to hold to that. Likewise, I expect you to not pursue me either.”
My laughter escapes, dying down after ten seconds. “You don’t have to worry about that. I don’t want to pursue you. I have no intention of doing that. Trust me, I know this might be hard for you to believe, Link, but you’re the farthest thing from my mind.”
“Really?” his baritone suddenly becomes deeper. “Because you were touching me just now. Makes it really hard to believe what you say.”
“How does that feel? Having someone say one thing and then…doinganother. Crossing boundaries.Howdoes that feel?” I ask with indignation, cocking my head to the side.
Placing his thumbs in the waistband of his boxers, he takes in a deep breath and closes his eyes, bowing his head momentarily before looking at me again. “All of that is in the past, Gabrielle.”
“Yes, a lot of it is. But it still happened. It still feels recent if you can’t catch on to the fact. I don’t like you.”
“You don’t have to like me. But I’m your boss.”
“Myboss?” my eyebrows raise.
“Yeah. I’m going to be the one paying you. Did you think you were staying here for free? You think this is a charity?”
“Oh please,” I chuckle. “You were willing to pay me as much as I asked for.”
“Because I need a service.”
“And you also said you were trying to help me because of the least you could do.”
“Help you. Keywordhelp. I’m not doing anything for you. If it was a charity, I would pay for an apartment for you and pay all your bills so you can coast on life on easy mode just like you did when we were married.”
Oooooooooooooooooooohhhhhhh FFFFFUUUUCK NO!!!
My eyes must look like the fire they feel right now because his face goes pale.
“You have somefuckingnerve!!!! I didn’t make as much as you and yes youdidget me out of my debt and get my father out of his debt. At least back then. I am so grateful for that but holyshitdo NOT…. OOOOOO… MMMM oh my God. Holy shit let me walk away for a second because you’re about to make me go off,” I breathe, laughing sarcastically, trying to keep myself together because what the actual fuck is wrong with this man.
Why is everyonetryingto provoke me?
Scoffing, I turn back to him, my eyes closed. “On second thought…” Opening my eyes, I give him my biggest grin minus any humor whatsoever. “Yeah,” I exhale. “I actually don’t think this is going to work.”
Turning to leave, I expect him to say something, but he doesn’t.
Walking out of his house, I take great care to make sure I slam the door while I swish my hips down his driveway, only to realize I have to call a ride.
Damn it.
I’m going to have to stand awkwardly in front of the house and wait.
