“Is this really necessary?” He sounds tired, not afraid. Of course, why would he be afraid of somebody like me? I’m nobody, aren’t I?
“Is it necessary that you had to practically break into my apartment? What do you think you’re doing? You don’t belong here. Didn’t I make myself clear? Do I need to remind you?” I grip the knife tighter, watching his every move. I can’t shake the feeling of waiting for him to strike.
“Put down the knife, Rowan.” He begins unbuttoning his suit jacket because, of course, he has to wear a suit everywhere. “I only came to talk.”
“That doesn’t mean I have to listen. Do you ever get tired of shoving yourself into somebody’s life? I didn’t ask you to come here, and I have nothing to say to you.”
“There are still a few things I want to say.”
“You could’ve called me. Alexei has my number.”
“Some things a person doesn’t want to say over the phone. Some messages deserve to be delivered face-to-face.” I can’t believe he’s actually making himself comfortable as though he’s planning on staying. He takes off his jacket and everything, draping it over one arm before loosening his tie. “It’s been a long day.”
“I don’t care.” Still, I can’t help but snicker. “What, did you have to sit behind a desk and collect money for work other people are doing? It must be exhausting.”
He smirks. “You just described the life of every CEO alive. But I didn’t come here for this. I came here to tell you I realize I went too far, and I apologize for that. It was uncalled for and unforgivable. You’re absolutely right to take this attitude with me.”
I can’t help but feel like I’m waiting for the other shoe to drop as we face offfrom across my tiny kitchen. Does he mean it? Do I want him to? The answer to that is a very pathetic yes. I do. I want him to be telling the truth, and I want to believe him. When am I ever going to stop being weak for men like him?
When he doesn’t say anything else for a while, I shrug. “Is that it? Is that what you came to say?”
“I suppose—no, come to think of it, that’s not all I came here for.”
I should’ve known. “What else do you want? And don’t even consider asking me to put myself through that bullshit again because I won’t. So just forget about it.”
“That’s not it, either. You have to stop jumping to conclusions.”
“And maybe you need to stop being so cryptic all the time.” When his eyes go wide, I roll mine. “I do know words. I’m not a complete idiot.”
“No one ever said you were. I’m just not accustomed to being called out the way you’re doing now.”
“Yeah, well, if you’re looking for an apology, you’ve come to the wrong place.”
“I’m not looking for an apology.” His smile even seems genuine. “I was hoping for a little company, to be honest.”
All I can do is blink at him. “You’re serious.”
“I am.”
“So you came here. To me. Of all the people in your world.”
“What can I say? I enjoy spending time with you.”
I don’t know if I can believe that or not. What’s so special about me? “I’m not having sex with you tonight—or anybody else,” I think to add when I remember all the little loopholes people like him use to trick others.
“I wouldn’t dream of it.” He nods toward the door. “Who did you think I was?”
“The pizza delivery guy.”
“I can’t tell you the last time I ate fresh pizza. I’m serious,” he insists when I shoot him a look. “Do I strike you as someone who has the local joint on speed dial?”
He has a point. And I get the feeling he’s inviting himself to share the pizza with me. Well, it’s too big for me to eat on my own, anyway.
There’s a knock on the door. We exchange a look. “I’ll get it for you. Just in case it’s another man looking to force his way in.” I’m glad he thinks this is hilarious. It’s my damn life he’s joking around about.
I should put the knife away, shouldn’t I? He hasn’t made a move beyond taking off his jacket. He hasn’t tried to touch me even once. And he did sound sincere when he apologized.
Why am I doing this? I don’t know, but I am. The knife goes in the drawer, and I grab napkins before joining Lucian on the sofa, where he’s opened the pizza box in the middle of the coffee table. “This smells incredible.” He sighs.
