“I don’t think you’re disgusting.” His voice is soft. So much softer than I’m used to.
“I’m not dirty. Everything in here has its place.” I gesture around the room. To my suitcase, bed, and the furniture I got from Harry’s Hut. “It’s tidy, and… what does it matter?”
I watch as Tek looks around the room, actually taking it in.
He turns back to me with a creased brow. “Do you only live in this room?”
“Where else do you want me to spend my time? The place was stripped out when I got here.”
Stepping backwards into the hall, Tek looks towards the front door.
With another shake of my head, I huff past him with my backpack still on. “I swear you don’t listen to anything I say.”
“What?” He follows me into the bathroom.
“I told you the place was empty. I told you why I bought that furniture.” I put my bag on the sink and unload my toiletries, leaving my towel and dirty clothes inside.
“I didn’t think it was this bad.”
“Whatever.” My eyes meet his in the vanity's reflection. He’s still at the door, his arms braced on the frame like he’s trying to hold himself back. “Thanks for helping me in, but I’ve gotta get to the laundromat.”
“But you just got home.”
“And this is my only towel.”
Taking hold of one of the straps, I turn around, and the bag falls from the sink. It feels heavy in my grip, but nowhere near as heavy as Tek’s hand against my chest. “Pack all your stuff.”
“Don’t be stupid.” I try to walk around him but he side-steps to stop me.
“Pack all your stuff, Carey.” This time his voice is firmer, deeper.
“Why?”
“Cause you’re not staying here anymore.”
My stomach tightens, and it feels like I weigh a ton, but also like I’m weightless at the same time. “What are you trying to say?”
Tek grabs my thighs and lifts me onto the sink.
My back pack falls to the tiles.
His hands hold my face.
“I’m saying, you’re coming home with me.”
“Why would you want that?” My words shake out, and I’m ashamed for being so damn needy.
“Because you deserve better than this.”
I reach for his sides. “Is that the only reason?”
“Maybe I want uninterrupted access to you as well.”
I lean in closer. “What about my days off?”
“I think I might need you full time.”
I speak against his lips. “Is that so?”
