Big Ben (See No Evil Trilogy #1) - Nana Malone Page 0,66
not enough for a beignet habit. Please.”
He frowned as he took another beignet and sat in the seat across from me. “Why do women always do that? I think you look great.”
“Do what?” A flush crept up my neck, and I couldn’t help but run my teeth along my bottom lip. I could still feel his lips on mine, his tongue sliding over my own. I could taste him still. I shook my head to clear it.
“Act like they’re not already fucking perfect. I promise you, whatever imperfections you see on your body, we never notice. We’re just thrilled we’re about to shag.”
Now I would be thinking about him shagging. Damn it. I didn’t need that visual if I ever wanted a good night’s sleep again. “Right. Um, thanks for breakfast.”
He pushed to his feet. “Of course. There’s another thing too.”
“Yeah?”
“We have corporate housing. And I don’t want you staying on your own or going where your boyfriend would be.”
I noted the way he said boyfriend. “Yeah well, he’s not my boyfriend anymore. I just need to find time to tell him that.”
“That’s good. That’s great. I still don’t want you over there. I want you safe.”
“I have a perfectly good apartment. I just need to find him, break up with him officially, and then get my keys, change the locks, that sort of thing.” Although I had no idea which one of us would get to keep the flat if I was being honest. And Fenton knew where it was, so I didn’t exactly feel safe there.
“Right, and all that takes a little bit of time, so in the meantime, corporate housing. I can get you on the list today. If you can stay with Telly for the time being, I’ll get you in.”
My hands shook as I wiped away the sugar on my fingertips. Now was not the time to freak out. I could have a crisis later. When I was alone and could cry on the tube like a normal person. “I haven’t really thought much further than notify him he’s a horse’s arse. I suppose I can keep sleeping on Telly’s couch. I’ll look into the corporate housing, thank you. But I know how expensive those flats can get. I’ll start looking for a flat mate I guess too.
His teeth grazed his bottom lip, and this time it was my turn to be riveted. “Okay, listen, don’t be weirded out.”
I grinned. “Guaranteed way to weird me out.”
“I have a place for you to stay. You’d basically have your own wing of a giant loft.”
“Here in London? Whose first born do I need to slaughter first?”
“Yes, here in London. After the mugging and attempted second mugging and that bollocks last night, I’m concerned about you.”
“About what? I’m perfectly safe.” Even I realized how dumb that sounded as the words came out of my mouth.
“Do you really feel safe? With Fenton Mills running around?”
I frowned. He had a point. “I don’t live with Fenton.”
“But you do live with Dexter. Who doesn’t seem to heed your concerns when you say you’re worried or scared.”
I sighed. “Fair point.”
“I don’t want you back over there until I can go with you myself to get some of your things.”
“You sound like Telly. I don’t need a babysitter.”
“No one’s saying you do. But the way Fenton grabbed you last night proves he’s dangerous.”
“I know. I get it. I’m not an idiot. I just want my life back.”
“I know. In the meantime, for a few nights stay somewhere safe where you have privacy. I don’t know what the situation is with your friend Telly.”
“The couch is comfortable.”
“While we wait on corporate housing, you will have your own suite and your own bed.”
“Where?”
“It’s a double-suited loft at the hotel property next door, so you would basically have your own wing. And your own key to a door.” He cleared his throat. “With me.”
I blinked. Then when I couldn’t think of anything to immediately say, I blinked again. He couldn’t be serious. “And we’re just going to be what, roommates?”
He nodded. “Yes. No funny business. Just for a few days. Until we get your flat sorted.”
I wanted to fight. I didn’t need him taking control of my life. “You recognize I can take care of myself.”
“And no one’s saying you can’t. I think you’re incredible. Jessa can’t stop talking about how amazing you are. And you single-handedly saved me from a lorry.”
“I did save you, didn’t I?”
He grinned. And the smile melted my insides and exploded