Page 9 of Savage Obsession
“Sure,” I mutter, not knowing or giving a fuck what I’m saying yes to.
Quinn grins and quirks an eyebrow at me, and that’s when my dumb ass realizes that, of course, she knows she’s gorgeous. She probably uses it to her advantage like Nicola did.
And just like that, my dick goes soft at the very idea of Quinn being the same asher.
She hands me a plastic bowl that looks like it’s been through the dishwasher a few hundred times and holds up a fork. “I wasn’t prepared for company, so I didn’t cook anything fancy. I hope pasta is okay.”
I glance down at the food, then meet those unsure eyes of hers and smile. “It’s good. Thanks.”
I’m human enough to know this whole situation is awkward as hell, but I’m also fucked up enough not to give a shit. I should have gotten back in the elevator and gone back up to my apartment. To my solitude. Where I’m safe. Yet here I am, eating surprisingly delicious cheesy noodles with the most beautiful, bubbly woman I’ve ever met, and damn, it’s nice being in her presence. A man could get addicted to Quinn Summers.
Obsessed, even.
CHAPTER 4
Quinn
DO YOU HAVE ANY CANDY?
Good God.
This scowling man could be an underwear model, and he’s inmyapartment. Looking at me like he might be interested in what’s beneath my clothes. I definitely wouldn’t mind seeing what’s beneath his. After all, if he is an underwear model, he should show me what brand he’s wearing, at least.
It’s obvious from his well-fitted, perfectly pressed clothing and expensive watch that Xander and I come from two completely different worlds. In his, I doubt he eats out of a plastic bowl that he bought from the discount store, but if it bothers him, he doesn’t show it.
He takes a bite of the cheesy bowtie noodles and then nods, like he approves, and a tingle of excitement runs through me.
“You need to eat, too,” he says with a raised brow that leaves no room for argument.
Sheesh. He’s certainly bossy, isn’t he? First, he was all pissy about my door not being locked, and now he’s telling me to eat. Control freak much?
But, like the good girl I am, I pick up my bowl and take a bite of my non-cheesy noodles.
We stare at each other, both of us leaning against the counter opposite each other. It’s strangely comfortable while awkward at the same time. Tension swirls between us, and I want to ask so many questions, but the way Xander seems so shut down and closed off keeps me from speaking.
We’re almost finished with our meals when I paste on a bright smile, looking past his ear instead of meeting his gaze. “Would you like something to drink? I really only have water, but I have some ice to put in it.”
Don’t be embarrassed, Quinn. It’s not your fault you’re broke.
When he doesn’t say anything for a long moment, I finally glance at him, and as soon as our eyes lock, he holds my stare. “Water would be great. Thank you.”
His small smile feels like a reward of some kind, so I return it with a real one, then go about getting him a drink.
“You said you’d been waiting for that check from your old boss. Did you change jobs recently?” he asks.
I pause for a second, irritation creeping over me as I think about Lonny. “No, not exactly. I was fired because the creepy owner tried to feel me up, and I punched him. From what I’ve heard from my friends who still work there, he had a big black eye for almost two weeks. I’m pretty proud of myself for that. I just wish I could’ve gotten a picture of it.”
“Excuse me?” His voice is low and threatening.
A shiver works its way down my spine as I turn to hand him the water. He takes it from me and sets it on the counter with a loud thud, making me jump.
Shrugging, I smile up at him. “It’s fine. It was a shitty place to work. I’m glad to be out of there. I already got another job anyway.”
So, now I’m back up to three jobs, but I don’t think this stranger needs to know that. Something about Xander makes me think he wouldn’t approve of how much I work.
He takes a step toward me, his blue-gray eyes burning into mine. “It’s notfine. A man touching you without your permission is neverfine. Do you understand me, sunshine? Don’t make this less than it is. I’m glad you punched him, though in my opinion, he shouldn’t be breathing right now.”
Whoa. Okay, that… escalated quickly. This guy is intense.
