Page 96 of My Ruthless Neighbor

Wiping the sweat off my forehead, I turn. Dread arrests me at the thought of running all the way home. I hope I don’t pass out of dehydration.

I resort to walking instead of running. Because my thighs won’t stop shivering.

I keep walking, not even stopping when I spot a bench to sit on. Resting would only result in more fatigue. I fear once I sit, I wouldn’t be able to get back up.

I should’ve driven here. But I am saving gas. I won’t get paid until the campaign officially begins. Money is tight. Hence, no car.

Bending, I massage my calf. Damn. My legs already feel sore. Great!

Stalling will only worsen my agony. Shaking my head, I straighten.

My heart jumps when he comes into view.

About ten yards ahead, running straight toward me is Archer.

My muscles scream at me to run and hide. Do something, anything. But all I do is freeze and take him in.

He is clad in dark shorts and a white t-shirt. The fabric stretching across his broad chest and shoulders. His wet hair hangs over his forehead.

When he swipes the strands off his forehead with his hand, my teeth sink into my lower lip.

I am so busy eyeing his glistening body that I forget that he’s heading in my direction.

When I look up, my eyes meet his. I jerk and twist and start running.

Cringing, I slap my forehead. I was supposed to go home. This path doesn’t lead to home. It leads to my death.

Because if I don’t stop, I sure as hell am going to pass out.

This is crazy. I should just turn around and keep my head down until I’ve passed him.

But what about my traitor eyes? What about my body that wants to be held by his glistening arms?

I can’t pretend that last night’s kiss didn’t happen. It was different than the kiss in the alley.

That kiss was for Meagan. He wanted to cut the date short by telling Meagan that he kissed me. And he kissed me because he didn’t want to lie.

Last night was different. There was no reason behind it. He kissed me because he wanted to. I kissedbackbecause I wanted to.

I tried to remind myself that he was a ruthless man. For his selfish needs, he can jeopardize anyone. I was fired because of him. I was suffering because of him. But my lips kept moving against his with urgency.

I want that man. And my want for him infuriates me to no end.

Last night proved that he wants me too. That piece of information kept me up most of the night.

I am lusting after the man who devours my mouth and then asks me to quit modeling.

He is right behind me. I can feel him. The thousands of butterflies in my stomach are proof.

Stop!My body whimpers.

But I don’t. Where the hell is my confidence when I need it the most?

I swallow hard when he falls into step beside me. His body is so close. So close that I can feel the heat radiating off him.

I watch him from the corner of my eye. His breathing is even unlike mine.

It pisses me off to see him composed, running beside me while I am a nervous wreck.

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