07

I gage Stellan’s reaction as we drive up to the house. I know he’s had money before- I just don’t know how he’ll react to where I live. He’s already so indecisive to receive my help.

He stares out the window but doesn’t say anything as Eric stops in the five-car driveway. He opens the door and reaches out for my hand to help me out. I smile wide and take it, standing onto the graveled path.

« Goodnight, Eric. »

« Goodnight. Call for anything. »

« Will do, » I murmur, already headed up the steps. I feel Stellan behind me and begin to feel nervous. Not that I just brought home a complete stranger who could be lying to me about his entire life- no, I should be worried about that but the matter of fact here is that I’m attracted to this man.

I shouldn’t be. Every single fiber of my being is telling me I shouldn’t.

This guy has baggage. A lot of it.

He was a male escort. He slept with women for money.

I open the door and sigh, closing my eyes in an effort to conquer up some bravery before I turn around. « This is home. »

« It’s huge, » he murmurs, stepping in.

« I know, too huge. »

« Why don’t you have furniture in here ? »

« Marcus took them last night. »

« Ah, yes. Marcus… He lives with you ? »

« He did. »

His mouth forms into a soft ‘O’. « I can’t say I’m not pleased to hear that. He was pretty forceful with you yesterday. »

I set down my purse onto the coat rack. « He’s always been like that. »

« … He’s hit you ? »

« No, no. God no, he knows better than that I think. »

Stellan nods, glancing around the apartment. « Well, your home is beautiful. »

« Thanks, » I utter, anxiously. I clasp my hands together and shrug. « I can show you to your room now ? »

« Okay. »

I walk alongside him, choosing to pick a downstairs guestroom for him since mine’s on the top floor. While I don’t think this man is capable of hurting someone, I don’t know him well enough to trust him yet.

I open the door next to the kitchen, letting him walk in before me. He has his bag on his shoulder and I watch him look around.

« Is it good ? I do have other rooms. »

« This is perfect, Iris. Very kind of you. »

I smile, nervously, immediately pleased. « There’s an attached bathroom to this room. Feel free to use anything in the house- food is in the fridge. There are some casserole leftovers in there… Come find me if you need anything. I’ll be upstairs. »

« I will, thank you. »

« You’re welcome, Stellan. »

…

I sit up in bed in a rush, detesting the loud, irritating sound of my alarm clock. I run my hand over my face sleepily, feeling dead tired. My eyes widen in realization as I remember the events of last night and that I have a person sleeping in my downstairs guest room.

I reach over for my phone, taking it off the charger. My fingers are quick to call Eric.

« Good morning, ma’am. »

« Why is everyone calling me that ? » I mutter hoarsely.

« I’ve always called you that, Iris. »

« Oh… Well, okay. Would you possibly run out to get our visitor some clothes ? I’m going to be getting him fixed up today but I would rather he didn’t walk in there with the clothes he has on now. »

« Sure. Where do you want the clothes from ? »

« Anywhere as long as it’s designer. »

« Got it. »

« Alright, I need to be at work in an hour. »

« I’ll be downstairs. »

I hang up, glancing over at my locked bedroom door. Last night, I found myself sitting up against my headboard, contemplating what I’ve done. What I’ve promised to this man. I contemplated how crazy I am for taking him in like this.

My overbearing thoughts swirled in my mind until I finally stood up to lock the door.

I pull the strap of my nightgown back up onto my shoulder, pulling back the covers. I can’t help the part of me, a rather large part, that’s excited for the challenge. Excited to know this man. I’ve grown so used to having to put on a fake smile and utter polite words to idiotic, over privileged assholes.

I take a quick shower, already late and apply dark makeup, heading to my closet for my outfit of the day. I pull down the outfit I picked the night before, complete with accessories. I grab a pair of boot heels and settle them down by the bed.

I’ve got twenty minutes when I emerge from the bedroom in leather pants, a white t-shirt and blazer and the black sexy heeled boots. I’m writing on my phone, preparing to call Viktor when I look up, stopping dead in my tracks at the end of the hall.

Stellan is standing in the kitchen, his back turned to me. He’s turning what looks like a pancake on the stove. His hair looks smooth and sleek after a shower- I can see he just got out due to the dampness on his ends.

« Hi, » I murmur softly, stepping forward awkwardly. He turns and smiles, gaping slightly, gesturing to the stove.

« I hope you don’t mind. »

« No, not at all. »

He grabs the plate next to the stove and settles the pancake onto two others. I watch as he grabs butter and syrup, layering them on top. I walk up to the counter, texting Viktor.

I need Tala, Alfie, and Dominique in the conference room by 10. Thanks.

I look up as Stellan sets down the plate in front of me. I gape, looking up at him. « Wha-« 

« A thank you- for last night. »

I smile wide, touched and set down my phone onto the counter. « Wow, that’s sweet of you. »

His lips turn up warmly as he grabs the pan and walks to the sink. As he grabs the sponge, I shake my head.

« It’s alright. I have a maid. »

« Oh… Alright. »

I look down at the food, unable to hide my smile. I feel like it’s been so long someone has done such a simple, sweet gesture for me.

« Have you eaten ? »

He nods. « Yeah, I had a banana. »

« A banana ? »

« Yes. »

« No, eat some of this with me. I can’t eat it all- my diet, » I murmur jokingly.

He laughs, eyes wide. « Your diet ? »

« Why do you say it like that ? »