Page 7 of Falling for the Hitman (Men of Ruthless Corp)

I sit down across from her and grab the plates of food, putting them on the table. “Dig in.”

She looks at everything and I can tell she doesn’t want to embarrass herself by stuffing her face. I grab my phone out of my pocket and stand up. “Excuse me, I need to take this call.”

I step into the hallway and give her some time to eat without me looking at her. I didn’t learn much from my parents. They were never around long enough to teach me anything, but my grandmother taught me how to respect women. She told me that when in the company of a woman, if she appears uncomfortable, you do whatever it takes to make her feel comfortable. So, leaving the room was my way of doing that.

Leslie doesn’t come off as a woman who wants pity and I respect the fuck out of that. I don’t know the full story yet, but she’s been through a lot. Most people would have given up or once in this situation would take advantage of it. She isn’t like that though. Maybe it’s a trust issue, which I can completely understand, or maybe it’s her personality. I don’t know her to know for sure.

I give her twenty minutes before I step back inside. As I walk toward the table, I pocket my phone and sit down. She’s eaten half her burger and some fries, which makes me glad. I grab my burger and bite into it, looking over at her as she stares at her fries.

“How is it?” I ask.

She lifts her uncertain eyes and grins. “Best thing I’ve had in far too long.”

“Good.”

She pulls her legs up onto the chair and wraps her arms around them. They are covered in my shirt, but she looks comfortable as she rests her chin on her knees. “You’re being nice to me. Is that something you do before every job?”

I put my burger down and wipe my mouth with the napkin. Leaning back in the chair, I grab the back of my neck with one of my hands as I search her face. She deserves to

know she’s safe with me.

“No, this is not something I’ve ever done before. I believe your version of the situation,” I say.

She sits up straighter, lifting her chin off her knees. “So, you’re not going to kill me?”

“No, I’m not, but that doesn’t mean you aren’t still in danger. We’re going to have to get you out of here,” I explain.

Her eyes widen as they bounce between mine. “Wait. You’re going to help me?”

I lift one shoulder as I rub my beard. “Leaving you behind to face this shit isn’t something I’m able to do.”

She pinches her one hand as she shakes her head. “Why would you do that?”

“Because I’ve never hurt a woman and I sure as hell don’t want to know I left you behind to be hurt.” I have no other explanation.

I don’t know her. I have absolutely no reason to have this overwhelming urge to protect her. It makes no fucking sense. She’s not my responsibility, yet I feel obligated to help. I’ve never done anything like this before. Normally, I try to keep women at arm's length. But for some reason, Leslie makes me want to do the complete opposite.

This could be the most honorable thing I’ve ever done, or it could be the most dangerous.

Chapter 6

Leslie

* * *

Is it possible that his intentions are good? It’s hard to believe that he would just want to help and not expect something in return. Not to mention, he doesn’t even know me. Which might be something he should know. Maybe if I share a little, he’ll share a little.

“I didn’t realize the shit Vinny was mixed up with when we first met. He was charming as hell. I was just twenty-one when we met. My parents were just killed in a car accident. I was out trying to find comfort in some alcohol, but I caught Vinny’s eye. He was there when I was at my lowest point and looking back, I realize he was just taking advantage of a naive, grief-stricken girl.” I shake my head as I sip the water in front of me. It’s hard to believe my stomach is full and there is still food left over. Not to mention a seemingly endless supply of water.

“Any man who takes advantage of a woman is an insecure asshole,” he growls.

“I know that now,” I whisper. I pinch my hand, reminding myself this is real, and look at him. “Do you have a wife or girlfriend?”

He adjusts his position, crossing his arms. “No.”

Damn, that’s surprising. You’d have to be blind to not realize how insanely hot he is. I’ve never seen eyes so blue. They’re hard, but they’re mesmerizing. His muscular body is something that I’ve only seen on tv or in magazines. I haven’t studied his tattoos, but they look sexy as hell. He’s got this bad boy, dominant, alpha male thing going on. It makes me want to know if it’s just an act or if that’s truly who he is.

I have so many questions, but I think I should keep them to myself. Pushing my luck at this point is probably a bad idea. The exhaustion is creeping up on me, but I don’t want to close my eyes. The nightmares will happen and for the first time in months, being awake is better.

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