“Bastian, this isn’t the time.”
There was a hint of a threat in his tone, and the man put up his arms in surrender and left.
“I don’t want to be any trouble,” Callie said. “If you have something you need to do, you shouldn’t be babysitting me.”
“My friend doesn’t know when to mind his business. Don’t worry about him.” He winked at her playfully. “Your clothes are on the bedside table. When you’re ready, my driver will take you to my house. It’s only a short drive.”
She was at a loss for words. Callie nodded and watched as he strode out of the room. He was pure confidence and stealth. She knew he had money. Maybe she was his charity case for the month.
As she got dressed, careful not to hurt her hands, she heard a low conversation in the hallway. When she heard her name, she moved closer to the partially open door.
“He’s obsessed.”
“A new toy?”
“No, more than that. She’s all he thinks about. It’s unnatural.”
“Should we get rid of her then?”
The man laughed. “Yeah, right. Then he’d kill us all.”
Chapter Three
Evander had a great deal of self-control. In his line of work, he had no choice but to exert patience to get what he wanted, and he was more than willing to do what was necessary. He could spend months tracking down a contract, learning everything about them, identifying certain patterns that meant he didn’t fuck up any job. He never failed, nor did he ever leave a trail.
That hard-won patience wasn’t helping him out right now. In fact, it felt more like it was hindering him.
“You have a beautiful home,” Callie said.
He also noticed in the few minutes they had stepped foot into his private country home, she hadn’t touched a single thing, and it seemed like she actually cradled herself with her arms. He imagined if she could, she’d gladly not walk on his floors.
“Thank you,” he said.
He put the security code in place, and then turned back toward her. “How about we get you settled in, and then I’ll give you a tour?”
She opened her mouth, about to respond, when her stomach growled.
“Or I could feed you,” he said.
“No, I’m okay, but a tour sounds good.”
He took a step closer, her eyes went slightly wide, and she seemed to tense up. Evander knew fear when he saw it. Only now he wasn’t trying to inspire it, quite the opposite.
“Please don’t be afraid to tell me what you want. I can’t help you unless you’re open and honest with me.”
She offered him a smile and nibbled her lip. “I guess I’m hungry but I can wait. Honestly, it’s not the first time I’ve gone without food. It’s not a big deal.”
Evander shook his head. “Not happening.”
He reached for her arm and started to lead her to the kitchen. Before letting her go, he helped her into one of the chairs at the counter. He didn’t want to stop touching her, wanted her to feel safe, but he also didn’t want to alarm her.
“Are you okay? You seem preoccupied.”
She shrugged. Her stomach growled again, making her go a deeper shade of red.
“Please don’t be embarrassed. Let me see what food I’ve got around here.”
He walked over to the fridge, which wasn’t fully stocked. Living alone, he often bought his food before coming home. Takeout from his favorite restaurants was easier than cooking. Although, from time to time he fended for himself and put the kitchen to use. “What are you in the mood for?”