When I get back downstairs and don't see Smith anywhere in sight, my chest constricts and I can't help feeling a little bad. Maybe he finally saw through my pretence and realized I'm not worth it at all. I sigh, deflated until he walks in just then with his phone pressed against his left ear. “It's pretty serious Davis, he's gonna freeze to death if he stays in here tonight,” I rub my arms to keep warm, not really bothered about how chilly it's getting in here. Casey refused my request in getting the heater fixed and no matter how much I save up, it still won't be enough to cover the cost of a new one. I've learned to make do with thick sweaters and blankets.

“I don't care if you guys haven't opened up business yet, I need your men down here with a new heater now,” he demands, his blank expression trained on me. I don't know why I find his bossy attitude appealing. I mean I've loathed men with big egos all my life — an obvious reference to Mark.

Eyes still locked, neither of us says anything as he ends the call and puts his phone away. He drinks in my appearance and I can't help tugging at the hem of my worn-out t-shirt. Maybe I'd have found something a little better, like a black turtleneck or something fancy, like him. I want him to find me attractive, not for sex or anything but me. I've never desired anyone like this in my life. When we look far longer than necessary, he clears his throat and my gaze falls to the floor.

“I'm getting you a new heater. I honestly don't understand how you manage to stay in such a cold place,” he shivers, moving a few metres away. What can I do? My brother wants me dead than alive. He feels taking care of me is such a massive burden that he'd be happy at my demise. I can't count on anything good coming out of this deal he has me in. Smith may be acting all caring right now but it's bound to be a different story later.

“It's no Antarctica. Just a bit chilly,” I manage. Whatever happens, I don't want to give him the impression that Casey's responsible for this.

“I went down to check on it and the heater's beat. Probably months ago and you have no clue about it,”

“You don't have to get me a new heater. I can afford one,” I try to sound all tough but he reaches out to wipe away a tear. I lean unto his touch, shutting my eyes as his fingertips trails down my chin. He takes my hand in his and when I look up into his eyes, I'm stunned by his beauty once more. His tuxedo frames his rock solid abs and shoulders so well, plus his bulk amazes me. He could have easily overpowered me back at the site.

“I'm not asking you to pay for anything,” he says seriously, leaning down to peck my left cheek. “I've handled everything,”

I swallow hard, fully aware of the meaning behind those words. Of course, I won't be paying. Not with real money but my body and I can't do anything about it. At least he's being generous and it's been forever since someone last cared for me. I can't afford to be ungrateful to him.

“Go upstairs and pack a bag. You're staying at my place tonight,”

“I'll be fine. Besides I've got blankets and thick sweaters. Don't worry about me.” I take a step back from him.

Maybe I should ring Paul who works at the orphanage. He lives some blocks away and it won't be much of a bug if he lets me stay with him tonight. Until the new heater arrives. There's no way I'm asking Casey to stay with him. If it comes to that, I'm prepared to freeze to death here. But Paul might be out tonight with his wife. They inherited a large sum last week from some distant relative and might be eating out to celebrate.

“I won't let you stay here or with anyone else. You're coming with me and that's final,” his lips form a hard line to tell me he's not joking at all. What the fuck?! He didn't even ask me! Who does he think he is to order me about? I begin to protest but he places a finger across my lips, silencing me.

“Do not challenge me,”

“B-but I don't even know where you live. I don't even know anything about you!”

Going with him wasn't part of the deal. It was supposed to be a little dinner and then we'd get to see each other for business sometimes. That's how I thought everything would go. 

And I've never been with a man all night.

“That can be changed with time. I don't live alone. I've got a sister staying with me,”

“That's no reassurance. I've got a brother too and he's supposed to stay with me,”

His eyes flicker and I realize that I've may have given Casey away. There's no telling what Smith would do if he finds out they put me up for this. It's my job to entice Smith so Mark can keep doing business with him, but right now I'm beginning to wonder if Smith knows about Mark's intentions. I don't want to get Casey into trouble even if he proves to be a dick sometimes.

“Never mind. You're right. I can't stay here,” he steps closer to me that I can't help but look up into his eyes.

“Why do I feel like you're hiding something from me?” I feel his large hands curl around my waist, holding me in place. “You can tell me anything,”

“It's nothing. I've just been so stressed lately,” I bring a palm down my face, my knees buckling from standing too long.

“You should take a rest. Come on now, dinner at my place. I don't want you getting sick,” he lets go of my hips reluctantly and I move away quickly from him.

“I'll go get my stuff,” I'm barely halfway up the stairs when he calls out.

“Wait,”

When our eyes meet, I have a feeling that whatever this between us won't be over anytime soon. He won't stop coming here for me no matter the bad signals I try to set off to him and I don't know why trying to push him away feels so wrong.

Whatever happens, I'm prepared to make deals with the devil to please my brother and his boss.