His eyes go to my body that is far too thin. I need to eat more. He doesn’t know I’ve been skipping lunches because I can’t afford them without my paycheck or him paying for them.
I sigh. “Anything else?”
“Report to me when you are finished, I’ll have a new list for you.”
He disappears, and I’m left with a fake list of tasks that don’t even matter. Last time he talked about the luncheon, he just wanted me to pick any restaurant that could hold the fifty people invited. He didn’t care. Now I have to taste the food and select a separate dessert place.
A knock rattles me before it’s opened.
“Wow,” Cole says staring at me.
“What?” I snap, not able to deal with his crap.
“Whoa, I’m sorry. Didn’t mean to intrude. I promise I won’t kiss you. I know you aren’t in the mood.”
“I’m not in the mood because Knight’s psycho ex-wife almost killed me yesterday.” It’s only partially the truth.
“And now I have to do these stupid errands for Knight. He’s trying to keep me out of the office so I won’t kill him.” I hold up the list.
Cole frowns. “I’ll do some of the tasks with you, and then you and I can talk and get to know each other better. I’m hungry and could use twenty lunches today.”
I laugh. “I don’t think that’s the best idea.”
“I will not kiss you again. Well, unless you ask, but I’m pretty sure you’ve been kissed plenty since the last time I saw you.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because Abri has been sulking all day, Knight is more pissy than usual, and you are glowing in an outfit that matches Knight’s.”
I frown.
“Don’t worry; you two look adorable in your matching outfits.”
“I don’t know how that happened. We didn’t plan it, and he was awake before I left.”
Cole grins. “So you were together last night then?”
“Ugh, I’m not talking to you about my love life or lack of one.”
“Fine, don’t talk, but I promise I’m only looking out for you and Knight.”
I roll my eyes. “Yep, I’m sure that kiss was just a way to bring Knight and me together.”
“It worked, didn’t it?”
I huff. “What are you doing here anyway, Cole? Don’t you have a strip club to run?”
“The strip club runs itself. And I’m going to be the owner of Perfect Match soon, so I need to spend more time here.”
“What did you just say?”
“Um…nothing. Don’t worry about it.”
Is Cole planning a coup? Should I tell Knight about it? Is Cole trying to take over now that he sees Knight is weakened?
My phone buzzes and I answer it automatically.
“Yes,” I snap because I know it’s Knight.
“You haven’t called your driver yet, don’t worry, I did your job for you. He’s downstairs waiting to take you to the first restaurant.”
I end the call without a goodbye. I snatch the coffee meant for Knight along with my own nearly empty cup. I’m going to need both to get through this day.
Knight hasn’t spoken to me all day. He’s texted me a few more work things to do, but otherwise nothing. There was dinner waiting for me on the counter when I got back to his place, but otherwise no sign of Knight. The food smells delicious. Some homemade pasta dish Knight must have fixed before he disappeared again, but I’m too stuffed to eat anything after the day I had.
So instead of eating, I slink upstairs and into the bed. I don’t even have the energy to shower or undress. I flick the TV on, ready to get lost in some drama to put me to sleep. I only make it twenty minutes into a rerun of Scandal, before the door opens.
My eyes shoot open as Knight steps into the bedroom.
“If you think I’ll fuck you after how you treated me today, you’re wrong.”
He takes a step inside, closing the door behind him.
“I hate you,” I spat.
He keeps walking.
Dammit, if he touches me, kisses me, or even speaks a word I will jump him.
He does none of those things though. He slowly removes a T-shirt and sweatpants he must have changed into after work and then climbs into the bed next to me.
“No,” I say because I won’t fuck him. I can’t.
“I’m not going to hurt you. I just want to help you sleep.” He doesn’t say the words, but he means help him sleep too, to know I’m safe.
“Okay,” I whisper. His hands go around me, and within moments he’s snoring.