“So you decided giving me an apartment by trickin’ me would be the better option?”
Kane ran both of his hands through his hair. “It was stupid, I know... but to be fair, you wouldn’t have found out if you didn’t overhear Cala.”
Cala.
“So you’re her boss, right?”
He shrugged and nodded.
“Did you sleep with her?”
I had no clue why I was even asking the question.
Kane blinked. “What?”
“Did you sleep with Cala?”
Kane raised his eyebrows. “Yes, but it was a long time ago-”
“Oh, my God!”
I turned and walked towards the elevators of Kane’s apartment building.
“Aideen,” Kane snapped from behind me. “Hold the fuck on!”
I gasped when Kane shot around me and blocked my way.
“Move!”
“No!” Kane snapped back at me. “She happened before I even knew you. It was one time. Why the hell are you pissed off over Cala?”
I realised the answer just as Kane asked the question.
I was jealous.
I was jealous that Cala had slept with Kane.
Fuck.
“I’m not,” I replied and tried to move around him.
Kane wouldn’t let me by. “Try answering me with an honest answer this time.”
I shoved at his chest. “Move, Kane.”
“Make me.”
I screeched in annoyance, “I’ll scream and have someone call the guards.”
Kane smirked down at me. “Scream all you want, there are no tenants in this building.”
I stared at him. “What?”
“Technically speaking, you’re the only person who lives in this building.”
What the fuck?
“I don’t live here.”
Kane smiled at me. “The signed lease in my back pocket says differently.”
Oh, my- motherfucker!
“It’s invalid. I didn’t know-”
“You signed a contracted lease for twelve months, babydoll. I have it in black and white.”
I was being hustled.
“Kane... you can’t force me to live here.”
“Sure I can.”
I placed my face in my hands. “This can’t be real.”
“Sure it is,” Kane chuckled. “You get a brand new, fully furnished apartment for free. You don’t have to worry about noisy neighbours, or for your safety because I have security working twenty-four-seven in the lobby of all my complexes. Also, your utility bills are covered by your very generous, landlord. He is a really nice guy and quite the looker, or so I’ve been told.”
I hated him.
“I want to hurt you so much right now,” I whispered. “I can’t believe you have done this—it’s crazy.”
“The only crazy thing here would be if you fought me on this.”
“How can I not?” I asked. “You’re givin’ me a home, and takin’ away all me financial worries. You expect me to just be happy?”
“As a matter of fact, babydoll, I do.”
I shook my head. “It’s too much.”
“It’s not enough,” Kane countered. “Please just let me treat you like the queen you are to me. I don’t think you understand just how important you are to me.”
“Me, or the baby?”
He closed the space between us. “Both of you. You’re my family, and I take care of my family.”
I couldn’t think.
“I don’t know what to say,” I cried.
Kane leaned down and pressed his forehead to mine. “Say you won’t be a trouble tenant for me. I’m a no bullshit kind of landlord.”
I huffed, “You leased the wrong girl in that case, buddy.”
He laughed and put his arms around me.
“I’m sorry for lying to you.”
I put my arms tightly around him. “You should be. I feel so mindfucked right now I don’t know what to do with meself. Me brain is a fart right now.”
Kane laughed as he placed a hand against my lower back and rubbed it around in lazy circles.
“Do you feel a little better though? Knowing your whole paycheque can go towards food, the baby, and yourself?”
My mind was a mess.
“I’m overwhelmed. I’ve never not had bills to pay or extra cash lyin’ around for impulsive buys. I’m in unknown territory here.”
Kane kissed my head. “Keela adjusted to Alec having money, you will adjust to me having it, too.”