He sat on the edge of the bed, putting their food down beside him. “Your boredom is why you’re naked?”
“I’m naked because I couldn’t be bothered to put any clothes on. Why do I need to anyway? It’s not like you’re going to join me, is it? You avoid me like the plague. I can only figure one thing, you don’t like me mentioning my dad.” She quickly slapped a hand over her mouth. “Sorry, I’ve been naughty.”
“He doesn’t have a right to be in your thoughts.”
She started giggling as she sat up. She turned so that she was stretched out in front of him. Her nakedness was on display, and she made no move to hide her body from him. He liked it; her confidence was addictive to watch.
“He’s my dad. I love him no matter what. I know you’ve got your issues. What about this, I’m a toy you won’t play with.”
“Some toys have to stay on the shelf.”
“Are you having sex with anyone else?” she asked.
Any other woman he’d have kicked out of his life for asking invading fucking questions. Why didn’t he get rid of Avery?
“Would that bother you?”
“You wanted me to see a doctor, but none has arrived. You haven’t even gotten tested, and for the past week, other than to eat, you haven’t come to my room.”
“Do you miss my presence, Avery?” he asked.
“Maybe.”
He raised a brow. “Honestly?”
“Why not? I’ve got nothing to lose. I’ve never lied in my life. What about you?”
“I lie every single day.”
“About what?”
He sat down with his back against the headboard and held out her food for her. She took it, resting the tray on her legs. Lifting up the cover, it showed off the chicken and spaghetti that had been cooked for her.
She grabbed her fork and started to eat.
“I lie to everyone.”
“Including me?”
“No, I haven’t lied to you. You are my toy. You’re here for my enjoyment.”
“Am I entertaining you now?” she asked.
There was no sarcasm in her voice. She sounded … bored.
He didn’t like that. The woman he met at the shop, she had fire, passion. Even her tears had meaning.
“I want to take you out next week.”
“You do?” She didn’t look up from her plate of food.
“You’re right, I think it’s time I took you out. You’re not going to run because I’ll kill your fucking father.” She lifted her head, and he had her attention. Good.
“I told you I won’t do anything that will hurt my father.”
“Good. That’s what I’m counting on. I’ve got to deal with a certain mayor. He thinks because he’s in a position of power, he can do what he likes without anyone getting in his way.” He saw her smile.
“Unlike you?”
“I didn’t say I didn’t have to answer to someone. I do, and I make sure all my debts are paid in full, Avery.”
“A man of power.”
“I’m a man of my word.”
“It must be nice to be a man of your word,” she said.
“Are you flirting with me?”
“Teasing. I’m teasing you. Like I’ve said before, you’ve been kind to me.”
He watched her eat for a few seconds without saying a word. “We’ll also go to the hospital. I will pay extra to have the blood work done and completed within one appointment.”
“Isn’t that expensive?”
“I don’t care.”
“Right.” She finished her food, but not enough for his liking.
“Eat something.”
“I have. I’m just not hungry.” She put the plate down and got to her feet. He watched her as she made her way into the bathroom. Seconds later, he heard the water running. It looked like he was going to have to be the one to do the chasing tonight.
He put his plate to one side and got to his feet.
Stepping into the bathroom, he saw her in the tub already, the water filling up.
“Have I upset you?”
“No.” She frowned. “Would it matter if I said yes?”
“Yes. I want to know.”
“What do you hate about my dad?” she asked.
He folded his arms, leaning against the doorway. “I don’t hate your dad.”
“You could have fooled me.”
“I don’t like him using you. You shouldn’t have been there that Friday. He doesn’t deserve for you to be put at risk.”
“And yet, I’m here anyway of my own choosing.”
“Really? It’s your choice to be my toy. Other men wouldn’t have been so forgiving. They’d have passed you around, turned you into a whore.”
“And others would have shot me dead. I wasn’t thinking. All I could think about was my dad in the hospital. Alone. Tired. Hurting. I didn’t want you to hurt him anymore.”
“You’re not going to call him.”
“Okay. I don’t want to fight anymore.”
He shouldn’t even be fighting with her. She was his toy.
“Do you make a habit out of lying?” she asked.
He was surprised she was the one to change the subject. Moving away from the door, he pushed the toilet seat lid down, sat, and watched her. “Yes. It’s easy to do.”