Page 156 of My Ruthless Neighbor

I push off him and he lets me. Taking a few steps back. I hug my middle and ask the question I have been dreading to voice. “Did you buy it because you are sleeping with me?”

He is on his feet in an instant, his eyes narrowing. “What did you say?”

One glance at his face told me not to speak further. A chill runs down my spine. He strides to me and grabs my chin. Tipping my head back, he pins me with a hard stare. “How dare you degrade yourself by asking that question?”

“I—”

“I am not going to tolerate you disrespecting what we have, understand me?”

“We are not in a relationship, Archer.”

“Of course we are.” He says and my heart thuds in my chest, my breathing quickens. Then, “We are in a mutually beneficial relationship where we get what we want without any complications.”

My face falls. But I try to school my features. Brushing his hand off my face, I say, “I know. But that doesn’t entitle you to buy me expensive gifts.”

“Why not?”

“Do you often gift Mercedes to your employees?”

He doesn’t say anything.

“Exactly. Of course I would think the worst.”

He sighs. “But you need a car.”

“I do. But not a luxurious one. I can’t afford it. I am still new in the modeling career. I am saving money for now. I don’t want to spend it on unnecessary things.”

“That car is a safe choice, not to mention it’s comfortable for long-distance travelling. You are a model. I chose this one specifically for you because your profession involves driving a lot as the locations for the outdoor shoots are often far.”

“I know but I am not driving that car if I am not paying for it.”

He tries to convince me but I hold a palm up. “I am an independent girl, Archer. I’ve been looking after myself since I was a kid. I am pretty sure I can survive a few more days until I can buy a car that’s under my budget.”

He studies me for a moment. “All right.”

I smile, grateful that he understood where I was coming from.

“How about this. You keep that car and pay me monthly installments.”

“As I said, I can’t afford it.”

“The amount would be small which won’t put a dent on your income.”

“How small?”

“One thousand dollars a month.”

I do the math quickly and gasp. “It would take approximately 16 years for me to pay off the amount!”

“You could start paying more if your income doubles in future which it would given on your increasing popularity.”

Can I do this? Can I dream of driving a luxurious car? I never thought I could ever get to own a car like that in my life.

Then I frown. “The interest would be too high.”

“I am not going to charge you any interest.”

“But—”