Page 10 of Only The Strong

“Yes, someone will be watching you from a distance, but we won't be putting cameras in the apartment, just on the exterior doors. The security system will have an alarm if the doors or windows are forced open or the code isn't entered after opening the door.” I shift my weight from side to side while I keep an eye on the maintenance guys finishing up fixing Reese’s door. That answer seems to calm her down a bit and she nods while she looks down at her shoes. “Wyatt is going to go home and grab his cage so he can sit out here and watch the apartment tonight. Can I come in and look around? I need to send the specs of your apartment to my guy so he can get what he’ll need to fit the place.” Reese just nods again, not saying anything more.

Allie’s phone pings and we all pause while she brings it to her face. She scrunches her little nose. “I have to go to the office, will you be okay here with him?” Her gaze swings to me quickly before focusing back on Red.

Reese nods and we say goodbye to Allie and the two maintenance guys, we finally walk into her apartment. The guys eye me when they see me behind Reese, but once they pass and see my cut they quickly look away, not wanting to get on my bad side. Reese’s apartment is comfy looking, but everything is white, like everything. The white puffy couch, white carpet, white stone coffee table, and even the pictures on the wall are of white flowers. A complete opposite of my place.

“I feel like I'm in an asylum,” I say looking around at everything, it looks like a showroom; I feel like I should take off my shoes before I accidentally track anything in.

“I think it’s calming. The white is easy and bright.'' She watches me look around the living room.

“At least your couch looks comfortable.” She kicks off her heels by the front door and walks into the small kitchen.

“Oh it is, I wanted the place to be as comfortable as possible. I love watching movies and shows, so I invested in my couch, TVs, and bed,” she says, grabbing a spoon from a drawer.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, Wyatt telling me he’s in the parking lot outside. “I’m gonna go ahead and look around and then I'll head out. Wyatt’s watching from his car outside.”

Reese grabs a pint of ice cream from the freezer. Typing something on her phone the entire time. She turns around to face me. “Um, would you be willing to stay with me tonight? I keep picturing someone coming through my bedroom window while I sleep, and all of my friends are working late into the night or out of town.” Her eyes are on the floor and when she looks up at me she looks so scared.

I shrug out of my cut and lay it on the arm of the couch. “Of course, Red. Whatever you need. I can sleep on the couch, see how comfy it really is.” I pat the back of the couch.

Reese puts the spoon straight into the tub of ice cream and pegs me with an unamused look. “Your tongue was on my clit, I think we can share a bed.” I put my thumb in the corner of my mouth to hide my smirk and shake my head. Scared as shit and still making crude jokes, what a girl!

9

REESE

Even wakingup at every little sound, I still slept a lot better than I'd expected; having Callum next to me helped tremendously. We kept to our own sides of my bed, the no cuddling rule I implemented last night standing strong. My alarm wakes us, beeping loudly and causing Callum to curse under his breath.

“Red, why is your alarm so fucking loud?” He rubs at his eyes, his voice is deep and gruff with sleep.

“I’m a heavy sleeper usually.” I laugh. “Sorry, I haven't shared a bed with anyone in a while.” I turn my head to look at him and bite my lip. How can he make bed head and half closed eyes look sexy?

“Yeah me either. What was it you said?‘I don't do sleepovers.’” He pushes the covers down his torso and stands. He only slept in his tight boxers last night so his back tat and tight butt are on full display as he walks to the bathroom. It's only now that I'm noticing his back is a giant colorful mural of an old ship with a sea serpent and the word ‘Outlaw’ across his lower back.

I roll to my side to watch him walk away. “I’m so glad my stalker could make you break your rules for me!” I laugh and throw a pillow at his retreating back.

“I think you could make me break a lot of my rules, Red!” He yells from the bathroom and I roll my eyes.

I’m about to get up when Callum’s phone starts vibrating on the bedside table. “Hey, Callum, your phone is ringing!” I yell towards the bathroom again. He saunters into the bedroom, muscles and tattoos flexing and relaxing as he walks and dries his hands on my hand towel, and I can’t help but stare at him, his blonde hair is messy and falling into his eyes.

Callum runs his fingers through his hair, pushing the strands off of his face. His lips form into a cocky grin and he bites his lip. “If you keep looking at me like that, Red, I’m going to decline this call, spread you out over this bed, and fuck you until you forget your own name.”

“Uh,” I stammer, stunned silent while my brain short circuits from how hot his dirty talking is. He chuckles and answers the phone, walking out of my bedroom, and closing the door behind him.

I get up, shaking my head to clear the lusty fog, and walk into my bathroom to wash my face. As I’m applying my skincare, Callum walks in and leans his butt against the double vanity. He crosses his arms and his muscles flex, my eyes tracing the designs on his skin.

“I gotta head outta town for a day or two. The prospects will be around, but I just wanted to let you know that I won't be here.” He looks down at me.

Panic sets in, but I try to ignore it. “You’re leaving?” It sounds desperate even to my ears and I inwardly smack myself; I shouldn't be leaning on this guy to protect me, he doesn't owe me anything just because we hooked up once.

“Yeah, I have to meet with a lighting consultant for my warehouse. Everywhere is backed up right now and this is the only supplier that doesn't have a six month wait.” He crosses his arms and leans against the vanity and I nod, not able to say anything else. As much as I don't want to rely on him, I don't feel safe with anyone else. “Red, I don't want you freaking out while I'm gone; you should come.”

“No. It’s a work trip, I'll be fine here.” I shake my head and start to run a brush through my long hair.

He puts his hand around my free arm and I stop to look at him. “It’s gonna be boring, you’d make it a whole lot more enjoyable.” He looks into my eyes. “Besides, it’d probably be a good idea to get you out of town for a few days. I just wasn't sure you'd be able to leave work with such short notice.”

I put the brush down and turn towards him, resting my hip against the counter. “My regional manager told me to take a few days for myself after what happened yesterday.”

Callum smiles. “Good. Start packing, we can stop by my place for my stuff after.” He walks past me and into the bedroom.

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