Page 7 of Strip for Me

Six

ELLIE

“I am not moving in,I just can't. I don't even know you," I say, and Andre grins. A grin that I remember he gave me as he took my clothes off in the hotel room, and it makes me blush from head to toe. Any memories of that night make me blush, and I never blush at anything.

"I know you well enough," he says and looks over my body. A wave of heat touching every part that he looks at. Oh, my body knows him, but the rest of me doesn't. I can’t move in with a stranger, not while I’m pregnant. It’s just not a smart idea.

"She can't move in here, have you lost your mind?" the man next to Andre says.

"Todd, seriously man, you need to hear the whole story before you say something fucking stupid," Kaiden says, his hand moves to rest on my shoulder as he stands next to us. I watch as Andre, Todd, and Dom all look at Kaiden’s hand on my shoulder.

"What fucking story?" the man, whose name is apparently Todd, says.

"Ellie is having my baby and moving in, end of story," Andre says, still standing close to me and watching my face for my reaction. I forgot how nice he smells; without the alcohol, hesmells even better. He must have some mint body wash or shampoo. I might have to find out which one, as I like it.

"Well, you have done it this time, Andre," Todd says coldly, and Andre moves slightly, so I can see Todd walk over the shopping and stomp out of the room.

"He is a hot head, don't worry about it." Andre says and places a hand on my arm.

"Thanks, I should be going," I say and duck under Andre’s arm, away from them all. This just seems to amuse them as I meet all their gazes.

"Where do you live?" Andre asks, and moves straight in front of me again.

"I'm staying with my friend; she lives in York," I answer him because there is no point in lying.

"Look, I'm not saying you have to, but we have a spare room. Our roommate moved out, and we all work nights, so you would have a free house most of the time. You’re pregnant with my baby, and I want to get to know you more," he says and gives me a sweet look.

"Your friends don't seem cool with me moving in," I say, and Andre frowns a little.

"I don't mind," Kaiden says, and I look over to see him grinning at me.

"You are welcome to stay, but it is your choice," Dom says, and I turn so I can see him.

"You don't know me," I say.

"I didn't know any of these guys when I first moved in, but it works," Dom says. I bite my nail as I think about it, a nervous habit of mine. I do want to get to know Andre more, and I am homeless for a while. I can always leave if it doesn't work.

"Maybe for a few nights, and we will see how it goes," I eventually get out. Liz is not going to be happy about this, but atleast she will get her apartment back. I know it’s not been easy with me living there.

"Good," Andre nods.

“I don’t have a lot of money, but I will pay you rent,” I say, and Andre shakes his head.

“No, you won’t. I inherited this house, and the mother of my child is not paying rent,” Andre says, shocking me a little.

“I can’t,” I say.

Kaiden interrupts. “Why don’t we discuss this another time? There is no point arguing about it right now,” he says, and I nod to him. I can just sneak money into their coats or something if they won’t take it. I can’t just live here for free.

"What do you guys do for work?" I ask changing the subject as the room goes quiet.

"Why don't you come tonight? Todd and Andre are working," Kaiden offers, and I look at him quizzically.

"What is it you do?" I ask, and he laughs.

"I don't think–" Dom gets out, and Andre interrupts.

"It's better if you see, and you can run if you want," he says, and I look at him. What the hell could they do that would make me run?

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