I stopped moving, and then I shook my head. All the energy drained from my body, his borrowed jacket rubbing across my chest as I slouched. “Not happening.”
His brows snapped together, and he took a step closer. “Why not?”
I held up a quick hand to stop his advance to coddle me. “It’s simple. I would never subject innocent kids to my father’s whims. And if he ever found out where I was or where I worked, everyone there would become his new favorite playthings to torment me.”
Rune scratched at his chin then wiggled his mouth.
Opened it. Shut it.
His eyes creased at the corners.
“What?”
“Nothing. Nothing.” He started unbuttoning his dress shirt but stopped to flick a finger at the nightshirt I was twisting around my hands—an obvious nervous gesture. “Get changed. Let’s go to sleep. It’s past late.”
I sighed and began undressing, the weight of the day crashing down on my shoulders with just those few words spoken. Hopes and dreams were one thing. Reality was another. I yawned and pretended like I hadn’t noticed the man-god checking me out. “I sleep most of the day generally and work at night. I’ve just been covering for a gal who’s been out sick the past two days. So make sure to lock the door on your way out tomorrow.”
He chuckled and folded his pants. “Tomorrow—or today rather—is Saturday, remember? I don’t have to work on the weekends unless it’s an emergency. I’ll sleep in with you.”
I yanked the sleep shirt over my head, the soft material falling down to my knees. “Isn’t Theron announcing he’s taking over King Corporation tomorrow? I thought you’d need to be there.”
“Only if he calls me. I’d rather not get caught up in that shitstorm.”
I bent down low and pulled my fluffy comforter back from the mattress. There was no bed frame. Or box springs. It was simply a mattress on the floor—excuse the mice—and bedding. One day, I would have more if I found furniture at a moving sale cheap enough.
Crawling into bed, I asked, “I’m getting the impression you aren’t fond of Theron.”
“Wrong impression,” he countered and flipped off the light switch. He padded on sure feet right to the bed and crawled in next to me. “I like Theron. I even sort of love him. But…”
“But what?” I turned onto my side and allowed him to wrap me in his warm, muscled arms.
“Well, he’s scary as hell. And rightfully so.”
“Hmm.”
“What?”
I prodded gently, “Has he ever done anything to hurt you?”
“No,” he stated. “Never.”
“Then it’s simple. He’s the scary motherfucker you want on your side. You should probably go and support him. Especially, if you sort of love him. That’s what a family does.”
Rune was quiet for a long moment and then kissed my temple. “For a poor girl, you’re awfully smart. The school of hard knocks did well for you.”
I chuckled. “Asshole.”
“Rich asshole. At least my bed isn’t rock hard.”
“You wanted to sleep here,” I teased.
“’Cause I love the smell of chocolate chip cookies.”
My shoulders shook inside his hold, a stupid grin plastered on my features. “I’ll burn some just for you.”
“Mm. I love it hard.”
Dry, dry words. “Night, stud.”
“Night, beautiful.”
