Page 9 of HateMates

I go back for another mug, making sure to grab him my pink one that says, “When this is empty, it will be time to poop.” The machine beeps, and I fill two cups, dump cream and sugar in mine, and hand him his soulless black coffee. I bite my lower lip as he reads the side of his mug, concealing my laughter. He takes a sip without any reaction. Lame.

“Well, I’ve got to get to work. Make yourself comfortable. I’ll be back around—”

“I’m not sure that’s wise.”

My brows rise. “It’s very wise. Duty calls, and I need the money.”

“And you were just attacked. Until we’ve caught your attacker, it’s best to lay low—”

I cut him off with a laugh and sip my coffee. Then I drop my smile. “I’m going to work.”

“Mindy.”

I ignore the sexy way he says my name and walk back to my bedroom. “Sorry, Dad. Duty calls.”

I hear his grunt as I shut my door and finish getting ready, spending less time in the mirror. When I’m done, I walk out, and Tate is sitting on my couch. Or the couch is sitting under him. He’s almost bigger than it is.

“If you’re going to be difficult, we need to set some rules.”

“Rules?” He may actuallybemy daddy.

“First, I’m driving you.”

“Well, great, since I still don’t have my car.”

“Your car was dropped off twenty minutes ago.”

My jaw drops. “How?”

“An associate came and grabbed your keys. I had him pick it up and drop it off in the parking lot behind your building.”

“How did you get my—you know what? I don’t care. I need to get to work.”

“Rules, Mindy.”

“Okay, Daddy. What are myrules?”

“You listen to me. Stay alert. If you feel like something’s off, notice anyone whoseemsoff, you alert me.”

“Tate, it’s a dive bar. Everyone is off.”

“More than usual.”

I roll my eyes. “Fine. Anything else?”

He stands, and I accidentally watch his arm muscles flex.Meow.Gross! Stop ogling your babysitter.

“Don’t try any funny shit. If I see something off, I’m pullin’ you. You look the least bit distressed, I’m pullin’ you. One out-of-line gesture, I’m—”

“I get it, you’repullin’me.” I shake my head and grab my jacket off the back of my chair. “And I’m going to tell youmyrules. This is my job. I need this job. You do anything to jeopardize that, I’m going to take your job. Get me?”

He nods.

“Good. Let’s go. I’m going to be late.”

He’s on the move, taking the stairs and out the front door of my building. He stays in front of me, surveilling our surroundings. “It’s daytime. Who attacks someone in the middle of the day?”

He turns to me, his eyes searing into mine. “Someone who wants something bad enough.”

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