“That’s right. Didn’t you hear this place sold?”
“I did, but?—”
“And the new owner is going around introducing himself.” He holds out a hand. It’s big and rough. Tiny scars cross his thumb and I catch a hint of tattoos peeking out from his dress cuff. “Hello, my name is Stellan Corsetti. I bought this building.”
“Oh my god,” I groan, covering my face with both hands. “This is crazy. It’s crazy, right? I mean, this has to just be some bizarre coincidence.”
“Would it make you feel better if I said yes, completely, this wasn’t planned at all?”
I think I might be sick. I stare at him, head pounding, stomach like a stormy sea. “You know this is insane, right?”
“Not really.” He leans against my doorjamb. “I’m saying hello to all the residents, but I have one particular question for you before I move on.”
“What?” I whisper the word, terrified of what he’s about to say.
“Will you have dinner with me?”
His smile is shockingly attractive. It looks almost practiced. I feel like my guts fall onto the floor. This makes zero sense. Who buys an entire apartment building just to ask a woman to dinner?
Who the hell is this guy?
“I told you already,” I manage to say, my teeth nearly chattering. “I don’t have time to date. It’s nothing personal.”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Yes. I’m sure. And honestly?”
His eyebrows raise. “Keep going,” he says encouragingly.
“After this crazy shit, I don’t want anything to do with you.”
There’s a moment when I think he might kill me. His expression doesn’t change, and he doesn’t move closer. But there’s a tightening around his lips, and his fingers curl ever so slightly into fists. I think back to the diner, to how he easily took out those men like it was nothing.
Who is this guy? Who has the resources of a billionaire and the street toughness of a brawler?
“I’m sorry you feel that way,” he murmurs, his smile beginning to fade. “Here’s the deal. I’m going to come back in a few days and ask again. For every week you deny me, I’m going to double your rent. I’m going to keep doubling it until you agree or until you’re homeless. How does that sound?”
I nearly choke.
“I own this place now, Kira. I absolutely can. Just think about it.”
“That’s illegal. I mean, it’s wrong. It’s evil. You can’t force me to have dinner with you.”
“I definitely can, and I have no problems doing it.” He steps back from my doorway. “Have a good night, Kira.”
I’m about to scream at him. Fear and rage slice into me. If he does this, I’m fucked. I’m beyond fucked. My life is over. I’ve worked hard to keep us in this apartment. We need a steady address so Gem can keep going to Central. We have applications, groceries, bills, a dozen other expenses. If he really doubles my rent, I’ll have to find a new place, but that could take forever. And who knows if I can afford a two-bedroom anywhere else.
“Hey, what’s going on?”
Gem’s voice stops me cold. It’s like ice suddenly shoved into my mouth. I look over, a dozen rage-fueled curses dying on my lips. She’s still in her school clothes, her backpack slung lazily over one shoulder, smiling uncertainly.
Stellan turns to her.
Run!I want to scream.Run, Gemmy, run!But instead, Stellan offers her his charming smile.
“You must be the sister. My name’s Stellan. I’m the new owner of this building.”
“Oh, wow! I heard someone bought the place. It’s great to meet you, Stellan.” Gem shakes his hand, her eyes big and bright, totally unaware that she’s touching a literal monster.
