Page 85 of Heartless Legacy

“Can I have the number?”

“I’ll do you one better. I’ll come get you and we’ll make a day of it.”

“Aren’t you working? You can’t just take off for a hair day.”

“Thea. If you called and asked me to bring you a bagel, I would leave work and do it.”

“That’s crazy. Why would you-”

She cuts me off. “It’s not crazy. I know you’re not comfortable being back and I know you’re strong and brave and can take care of yourself. But I can take care of you too, by sitting in a chair and making sure none of those gossipy bitches say anything about my child.”

My brows shoot up and my tongue stays silent. What can I say to that? And truthfully, I’m a little relieved that I won’t have to go alone. “I’m ready whenever you get here.”

The low hum of enthusiasm I’m feeling about getting my hair done evaporates the moment I step outside of my room. There’s a Trium asshole sitting on the floor outside of my door. The security in this building has been impeccable until now.

“Who did you flirt with to let you in?” His smile is instantaneous, and I realize how my question must’ve sounded.“You know what, never mind. I’ll just report you to the front desk on my way out.”

“Report me? For what?”

“For being a nuisance.”

“I’m sitting here, quietly minding my own business.”

“You’re sitting outside of my door. You’re not on my approved visitors list, and I didn’t sign you in for today. So you’re breaking the rules and whoever was stupid enough to let you inside will get in trouble for it.”

Finn shrugs. Just shrugs at the possibility of whoever helped him, getting into trouble for letting him roam the halls unchaperoned. Did I expect anything different? I honestly don’t know. Finn’s cruel, but he can also be sweet, depending on whatever outcome he’s aiming for. So assuming he sweet-talked his way inside might have been a bit naïve on my part. He could just as easily have threatened his way in. I know firsthand that people will happily choose to get in trouble for breaking the rules, rather than deal with an angry Finn.

I’m on the third floor of the building, closest to the stairwell, which makes it easier for me to come and go without crossing paths with too many people. There are six other rooms at this end of the hall, but I hardly ever see or hear my neighbors. Basically, they’re the perfect people to live around.

I lock my door and walk towards the stairs, hoping that just this once, whoever he’s waiting for, isn’t me. Hope fades faster than a helium balloon with a hole in it. He climbs to his feet and follows.

“Heading out?” He asks.

“Nope. Staying in.” I dart through the stairwell door and down the stairs, trying to outpace him. He merely slides down the railing and waits for me on the next landing. I’m impressed, but continue to ignore him.

When we make it to the ground floor, I push through the doors that lead to the back of the building. He’s still following. “You’re supposed to check out at the end of your visit, Finn.”

“That rule is for people who have checked-in.”

“Everyone’s visitor is supposed to check in.”

“But I’m not a visitor.”

“Aren’t you?”

“No. I don’t know anyone in this building except you, and you won’t put me on the approved visitor’s list or come down and sign me in. That means I’m not visiting.”

“So you’re trespassing.”

“Squatting might be a better word.”

“Squatting means taking up residence in a place that doesn’t belong to you without paying rent, and the squatter refuses to leave.”

Nodding, he says, “Then it’s definitely a better word.”

“You don’t live in my building, Finn.”

“I napped in the hallway and had a snack. Close enough.”

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