Page 54 of My Ruthless Neighbor

I have seen it firsthand a week ago how dominating her husband is.

Every day without fail, I not so subtly suggest she come live with me if she wants to get away from him.

She stresses that she is doing okay and to not worry. I don’t buy it one bit. Because the other day when I asked if I could come over, she started making excuses. And when I asked her to visit me, she declined, her voice melancholic.

I was hysteric. She is my friend after all. And I always protect my friends.

She calmed me down by promising to visit soon.

“Give me a date, River. Give me something!” I practically yelled on my phone. Was she in trouble like Mom was? I need to save her. I have to.

“I can’t. But I will come to visit soon. I promise.” She said softly.

“Is he… hurting you?” I asked, dread filling my stomach.

“No!” Her response was instant. She sighs then. “My husband is ruthless. He wouldn’t bat an eye before destroying someone’s life. He hurts me emotionally? Yes. But he’s never hurt me physically. Ever.”

The conviction in her voice helped me finally relax.

I couldn’t call her tonight. I glance at my wristwatch. It’s 7 p.m. I can call her now. My stomach is cramping from hunger. I should take a break before I fall face-first on the tiled floor and lose my front teeth.

When another sharp pain hits my abdomen, I hunch. It has been more than eight hours since I last ate.

Using the hunched position, I act like I am wiping the already clean table.

I should’ve stuffed my pocket with M&Ms. I stop the act and scan the vast room, hoping to catch one of the server’s eyes. I need the break. Stat.

I don’t think I have the energy to run behind them and inform them that I am going on a break. I could call them but carrying a phone on you while working is absolutely prohibited here.

I am still bent over, eyes darting around, sending telepathic messages to my co-workers to look my way when a body brushes against my ass.

I straighten abruptly, causing me to lose my balance. My back crashes against a chest.

A familiar spicy masculine scent envelops me as warm hands settle on my upper arms, steadying me. The touch sends a chill running down my spine.

I tilt my head to look at the person who’s holding me with a searing touch.

A surprised gasp emits from my lips when my eyes clash with dark brown eyes.

“Archer.”

Chapter Thirteen

Itry to pull away but my heels wobble and I crash into him again. My heart skips a beat when his grip tightens on me.

“You okay?” He asks, his deep velvety voice raising goosebumps all over my skin.

I nod, blushing. What the hell? Why am I suddenly feeling shy?

It has been a week since I last saw him. A week since he whispered to me to drink the juice before walking out of my apartment. A week of my face getting hot every time I think of him.

I blame that night for my fascination. The night when he took care of me.

Archer Kim is brooding, silent, and mysterious. Not to mention sexy. Any woman would be attracted to him. Hell, even men would.

I won’t deny my attraction. It’s there. The tension between us, whenever we are in the room, is palpable.

If only he weren’t so annoying.

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