I don’t know why.
It’s not like he’s hideous.
I mean, the man’s attractive as heck. I can’t pretend like I’m not into him. Physically, I mean. He’s built like a Greek god and sounds like an actor when he talks with that low, rumbling voice of his. There’s an aura about him, dangerous and exciting.
But he’s blackmailing me, and I just can’t abide it.
My stupid, stubborn pride is going to get me killed.
Or at least kicked out of my apartment.
I wake,hours later, to someone knocking. “Whadda heck?” I grumble, pushing myself off the mattress. My hair’s a wild mess and my tank top is practically falling off my shoulder. I’m in a pair of ancient shorts and slippers as I shuffle to the door, thinking it’s just a package.
Only to find him instead.
If I were more awake, I would’ve checked through the peephole first.
Stellan’s leaning against the doorframe. His sleeves are pushed up, showing off muscular, vein-covered forearms. The sexiest forearms I’ve ever seen in my life. They’re tattooed in dark ink: a wolf eating the moon, a knife slicing through a flower. I’m still bleary from sleep and can only stare at him in surprise.
“Did I wake you?” he asks, sounding amused.
“I had the day off.” I rub my face and try to get myself together. I’m very aware of my thin top and my hard nipples. I cross my arms over my chest. “What do you want?”
“I came to see if you wanted to have dinner with me tonight.”
I swallow. And shake my head. “No, thanks.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.” He holds out an envelope. “This is for you.”
I don’t take it. “What is that?”
“A notice of rent increase. You should take a look.”
“No, thanks. Are we done here?”
“Just because you refuse this piece of paper doesn’t change anything.”
I glare at him and finally snatch the envelope away. At the very least, I can use this in court when I sue his ass.
Which is just a fantasy. Like hell I could afford a lawyer.
“Anything else? Or did you just show up to torture me some more?”
“I came to take you out for a nice meal before you go to work. I could also order something and have it brought here. Or I can hire a private chef?—”
“I said, no, thank you.”
He nods like that’s what he expected and turns away. “Have a good shift, Kira.”
I watch him take a few steps. My eyes glance down his legs and linger on his muscular butt. There is something deeply wrong with me.
“Wait a second.” He pauses and looks back. “Why did you cut everyone’s rent?”
Stellan licks his lips. “I didn’t realize you all talked.”
“It’s a close-knit building.”
“Good to know.” He looks away. “I don’t care about this place. The money is meaningless. At their new rates, I’ll break even.”
