Page 46 of My Grumpy Billionaire Protector

I know I shouldn’t let my guard down around her, but there are a few times when I can’t help myself. On the occasions when I do, more and more frequently, I wind up in the gym, beating the shit out of a punching bag until my knuckles are sore and red.

I can’t put my finger on what it is about her, but I find myself wanting to spend time with Evie and caring about what she thinks.

It bothers me to no end.

Because we aren’t here to get to know each other.

And our survival depends, in large part, on me keeping my head on straight and finding the weakness in Isaiah’s plan.

Not mooning over Evie Coombes.

I keep trying to keep our conversations curt and to the point, but inevitably, I get derailed, and I ask myself why I am fighting so hard against it.

Obviously, I am attracted to her.

She is small and has to tilt her head back to look at me, but the fire in her eyes more than makes up for her size. As far as I am concerned, her petite frame is perfect, all curves and lean, toned edges. On several occasions, I’ve wondered what it would be like to run my fingers over them.

Fuck.

Evie is my ticket out of here.

We both know we’re using each other, but we will not admit it.

So, why do we keep circling around the inevitable?

Hastily, I shove the thought out of my mind and turn my attention back to Evie, who’s picked up the book and is gesturing at it emphatically. “…you know what I mean?”

I blinked. “Absolutely.”

“You’re lying.” Evie presses the book against her chest and peers at me. “You didn’t even hear a word I said, did you?”

“Not really.”

Evie sighs. “At least you’re honest about it. How can you not like books?”

“Maybe I’ve just never found the right book to read.”

“Look at you, going all deep and shit.”

I grimace. “Don’t tell anyone else. It’ll hurt my rep.”

Evie scoffs. “What rep? You’re not as tough as you think.”

“What have you been telling people?”

Evie gives me a pointed look. “Nothing. I haven’t done anything.”

“Why don’t I believe you?”

“It’s not my fault you have trust issues.”

I open my mouth then slam it shut. “As fun as it is watching you squirm, that’s not what I’m here for.”

Evie motions for me to continue and shifts from one foot to the other.

“I’ve been given a message and asked to pass it along to you. I guess they think you’ll like it better coming from me.”

Evie clears her throat. “What is it?”

---