Page 59 of Spike

“No.”

“Are you trying toannoy me right now?”

He chuckled. “Justa little bit.”

“Take me away fromhere,” I demanded. “I want out.”

“Hold thatthought.” He slid his phone from his pocket. “Hello? Yeah, it’s Spike. Oh, hey,Kim. Oh, yeah? Sure.” He met my eyes. “Want to go see her place after lunch?”

“I can’t afford—”

“Yeah, we’ll bethere. Thanks, sweetheart.” He hung up and slid his phone back in his pocket.“Where do you want to eat?”

“Spike.”

“Right here,beautiful.”

I glared up athim. “Oh, never mind.”

“Wise choice.”

“I want Italian.”

“Great, I knowjust the place.”

“Fantastic,” Ihissed.

Spike laughed,leaning down to kiss me before leading me to the truck.

** *

“I have to take acall,” Kim said. “I’ll give you some time to look around. Text me when you’reready.”

“Thanks,” Spikesaid, and walked her to the door.

Once he closed andlocked it, I threw my hands in the air. “There’s no way.”

“She told you therent.”

“There’s no wayshe can even keep the lights on charging me that little.” I walked to theliving room windows that overlooked the Willamette River. Oh my word, the viewwas to die for. The condo had two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large kitchen witha giant island and great room, plus an office. It had just been updated, butKim had kept its old-world style and it was gorgeous.

Spike’s hands camearound my waist and he kissed the back of my neck. “I could fuck you up againstthese windows and no one would see.”

I shivered.“Spike, stop.”

“You’re gonna takethis place, baby, and you’re gonna trust that my people won’t fuck you over.”

“It’s too good tobe true.” I faced him. “You’retoo good to be true.”

“We’ll make itwork, baby.”

I grimaced. “Well,let’s get me a job before I commit to anything, okay?”

“I will cover therent until you find something, honey. It’s more important that you get out fromunder your parents’ roof.”

“I don’t feelcomfortable with you paying my rent, Spike.”

“We can talk aboutthat later. I’ll let Kim know you’re taking the place.”

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