Page 8 of Off-Limits Bad Boy Protector

"Oh, come now," he began with a smirk playing on his lips. "You're here to secure a job, aren't you?"

“Even if I was, I can't see any reason that should concern you, or can you?” I questioned, tilting my head to the side as my eyebrows rose upwards.

He smiled again. Then, he reached forward with his arm and surprised me. He moved a strand of hair that had fallen onto my face. “Because I could give you a free ticket to grab whatever position you wish for. I believe in your intelligence that much, Miss Tutor.” His voice dropped into whispers, and I felt an odd sensation creep on the top of my spine as his breath tickled my ear.

I stepped back, his intensity feeling like a burn. I needed a moment, not ready to repeat the past. "Many would appreciate your offer," I said, trying to sound calm. "Why not give it a try?"

The rejection didn't go well with him. I could tell by the disappearance of his smirk and the visible contortion of his face. It made me wonder if my words really made him that unhappy.

He glanced at me, trying to size me up. He found it interesting that I didn't fall for his trick. He peered at me closely, studying my face. Then, he leaned in and whispered something unexpected in my ear.

His husky whisper of "See you on Monday" sent a shiver down my spine as his warm breath caressed my ear lobe. As he pulled away, his footsteps echoed through the silent air. Each step was deliberate and confident. He didn't linger. He didn't wait for my response. He just turned and walked away. He left me feeling stunned and uneasy.

As I stood there, my head shook slightly when I saw the man I used to date back in college. Memories flooded my mind, bringing back moments of our time together. Each memory was a painful reminder that I still hadn't moved on from this man.

Chapter 7

There were many ways to worsen an already terrible day. But, none were as daunting as seeing my landlady by my doorstep. Her piercing gaze scrutinized me. This was the evening after a chance encounter with my ex-boyfriend. The meeting had left me feeling drained and vulnerable.

I stood frozen. My landlady's presence seemed to make my emotional baggage feel heavier. It felt like a dark cloud hanging over my head, threatening to pour out unwelcome emotions.

Her sharp features were pinched into a scowl. They seemed to embody the misery that had been my day. They were a constant reminder that some things were better left unspoken. “Mrs. Kiel...?” I said as I gripped my purse strap. “Good evening.”

The woman glared back at me with cold, steely eyes. "I see you are back," I said, my voice stern, indicating that the old woman was definitely here for trouble. "I hope you haven't forgotten our conversation this morning."

I nodded with a forced smile on my lips, “Of course, I remember, ma’am. And I promise you that--”

“I came here to inform you I will not be giving you a week of grace anymore. A personal matter recently happened, and I'm afraid all I can offer you is three days now.” The woman cut me short. She looked straight into my eyes. The smile on the younger lady vanished without a trace.

“Ma-ma’am?” I stuttered, shocked at the news being delivered to me so suddenly. My hands gripped the straps of my purse harder, trying hard to conceal my growing panic and fear. “Three days?” my eyes flickered with confusion as the corners of my lips tilted downwards into a small frown.

"Yes, Miss Evans. Please pay up before then, or you will no longer have access to this apartment," Mrs. Kiel stated calmly. She held my chin high. It was as though I was in control of everything and everyone that happens in my presence. "With that issue cleared, have a good night."

With that last sentence, I left my standing alone in the middle of the gloomy space. I felt a heaviness in the pit of my stomach.

After the older woman walked away, I couldn’t help but cry. I was frustrated and tears threatened to spill. I knew well that I had no way to pay everything I owed the woman in three days.

My weak legs aimed for the door, and I struggled to move into my home. The moment the door closed behind me, I fell back against it, covering my face with my palms as sobs wracked my body. “My life is so shitty...” I muttered between gasps of air.

My thoughts drifted back to the events of the day. I was starting to doubt my stubborn attitude of not needing Leo's help would last for long.

I didn't even want to start with the number of bills that were piling up in my unfortunate financial life. There was no other way to solve the problems. I had to use the first available means. That meant swallowing my pride and accepting the fact I really needed a job at SoundEase.

My phone vibrating brought me out of my thoughts, the light screen shining in the dimly lit living room. I wiped the tears off my cheeks hastily, my vision still blurry, and my mind still a complete mess.

I finally got a grip on the screaming phone, and it took me a few seconds to calm down. Then I answered Lisa's call - my best friend was on the line.

“Please tell me you nailed the interview!” Lisa's voice rang cheerfully from the other side. My friend's energy was a strong constant compared to my own depressed state.

"Lisa..." I groaned, pressing the phone a little harder to my ear. There was no need to pretend everything was fine. "Did you have everything all planned out?" I asked in a low voice, trying hard to keep my emotions from seeping through.

Some seconds of silence came from the other side. I wasn't sure if my friend was too confused or surprised to have been caught to say a word.

“What do you mean?” Lisa eventually replied, the tone of my voice making it obvious I had no idea what I was talking about.

"Do you get what I'm saying?" I frowned, raising my eyebrows at how confused my friend looked. "You know, working for SoundEase...?" I asked, hoping my friend would finally get it.

I heard my best friend let out a frustrated groan. "Well, no..." Lisa admitted once more.

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