No Strings Attached (18+)

Chapter 4

"None taken."

"Just, something classic and elegant for commuting and basic needs..." I trailed off, feeling a wicked grin growing on my face, "And maybe a Porsche for fun."

"Ambitious."

I reached the passenger side door and pulled it open, settling into the luxurious interior, "It's something to work toward."

With the bridge out of town still underwater, we followed a winding detour down several sketchy and ill-maintained roads before we were back on the highway headed homeward.

As the hazy outline of the downtown skyscrapers became clearer, Nick asked, "So, where do you want me to drop you off?"

"The training center - I'll give you directions when we get closer, for now just keep going."

A moment's silence lapsed, and he asked, "Have you thought about what you're going to say to HR?"

Sighing, I sank back into the lush, leather seat. "Hopefully the emails he sent will be enough."

"If they aren't?"

Looking out the window, I answered vaguely, "Oh, I have a couple tricks up my sleeve."

"Such as?"

I smiled, a faint curve of my lips, "Well, there's always crying."

"Wh-"

"I can cry at the drop of a hat - seriously, get me even a little bit emotional and on come the waterworks."

"Really?"

Nodding, I explained, "It's why I could never be a lawyer; I'd be bawling in the courtroom. But," I turned to Nick, "it's also my secret weapon."

"Oh?"

"Here's the thing - crying makes most people very uncomfortable, men especially, and when confronted with a sobbing woman, most people will bend over backwards to make her stop or make her go away."

Nick chuckled, "I am learning so much on this trip."

Easy conversation filled the air as traffic grew denser and downtown loomed like a man-made mountain range.

"Exit here," I began, systematically guiding him along the route I knew by muscle memory.

As we drew nearer, the uneasiness in my gut rose to a boil. When I saw the familiar, squat building ahead, a shiver raced up my spine.

I can do this. I can do this.

Unbidden, a vision of Dave's piggy, leering eyes floated into my mind.

Hot waves of anger washed over me, burning away my doubts.

He's going to pay.

Nick pulled into the parking lot, stopping in front of the employee entrance. Stepping out, I walked to the trunk, where Nick met me, popping it open with the press of a button.

"Here, let me-"

Pulling at the strap of my duffel, I shook my head, "I've got it."

When it rested against my hip, I turned, facing the man I hadn't known twenty-four hours prior - the man who'd saved my day. He'd been the knight in shining armor who'd rescued me.

He'd also been the deranged lover who'd fucked me until I couldn't see straight.

And I don't know anything about him.

Taking in the strong line of his jaw and the kind warmth in his eyes, I realized-

I know he's compassionate, I know he helps people in need, and I know he's the kind of gentleman who wouldn't have laid a finger on me if I hadn't initiated it.

Meeting his gaze, I asked, "Can I see your phone?"

Nick took it out of his back pocket, unlocking it before handing it to me.

Navigating to his contacts, I added my name and number.

"There. If you ever want to grab dinner again." Grinning, I joked, "I promise not to look like a cave troll next time."

He smiled, "I never thought you looked like a cave troll."

Disbelief dripped from my voice, "Really?"

Leaning in, he whispered, "Cave trolls don't look as cute as you do in glasses."

My blush bloomed across my face.

Nick pressed a quick, chaste kiss against my cheek, "You'll be hearing from me. Now, give 'em hell."

Turning to the entrance, my smile turned evil, "Oh, believe me, I will."