Page 28 of Virtue & Vengeance

After hanging up, I dressed in my Empire uniform, blow dried my hair, and gathered everything I would need for the night at work.

Other than when Zander popped up at the condo, I didn’t have to deal with him much. Thankfully, he seemed to be pretty busy at work over the last few days, and I didn’t have to deal with his constant annoyance as long as I was at work.

It wasn’t like I could avoid him entirely since I worked for him in the place where he lived, but I kept my distance as much as I could.

I found that as long as I stayed away from him, I could control my actions. There wasn’t much I could do about my thoughts since they always seemed to land on Zander, and my body seemed to have a mind of its own since I constantly thought about the things he could do with his body. But still, as long as I stayed away from him, I would be fine.

I could get over my schoolgirl crush without having to get under Zander again.

AFTER THE THIRD DAY of looking over my shoulder or eyeing everyone who walked through the doors, I was exhausted and looking forward to my day off. Hopefully, a little downtime would relax me enough to make it through the rest of my shifts for the week.

I poured myself a glass of wine to take with me into the bedroom so I could drink it during my bubble bath. I needed the night to be calm and relaxing, but the minute I heard the firm knock on the door, I nearly jumped out of my skin.

I froze, my chest rising and falling as I stared at the front door like it was the gateway to hell. And if the person on the other side was who I thought it was, it very well would be.

Another knock sounded, louder and harder this time, and I found the willpower to move forward. Placing my palms against the hard surface, I leaned in until I could see out the peephole. One look and my body sagged in relief, a few deep breaths and I was able to calm my racing heart long enough to pull the door open.

“What are you doing here?” I said as I pulled the door open.

Zander half grinned half scowled. “Is that how you answer the door?”

“It is when you come over uninvited.”

“You invited me, angel. You just didn’t realize it.” He walked past me and into the living room.

“Sure, Zander, come in,” I said sarcastically, shutting the door with a little too much force.

“You seem on edge. Is everything okay?” he asked.

Nodding, I nibbled unconsciously on my thumbnail.

He reached out, his green eyes scoring my face. “You’re biting your nails. You never do that.”

Looking down, I checked my thumbnail. Seeing that I’d bitten it too low and it was starting to bleed a bit, I sighed.

“Are you sure you’re okay? Something’s obviously bothering you. Whatever it is, just tell me.”

I couldn’t tell him my worries.

Sure, we had sex, and as much as I told myself it was insane, I was falling for him a bit, but that didn’t mean he felt the same about me.

No.

I needed to keep my secrets to myself.

“I’m fine, Zander.”

His eyes scanned my face, and it felt as though he could read my thoughts.

I looked away, worried my truth was in my eyes, but he softly placed his fingers on my chin and turned my face so I was looking up at him.

“Whatever it is, I’ll make it better. All you have to do is say the words.”

His words were like an ax to my chest.

Why was he being so sweet?

It was unusual behavior for him.

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