I can’t even describe the naive way that I just let the thought consume me that I might actually have a little deranged murderer in me too…killinglonelinesswith a couple of like-minded people that a week ago, I was convinced didn’t exist.
Something smelled good in the hallway as I trudged down it, fumbling for my keys when I finally made it to mybuilding. I felt my mouth watering but didn’t really think twice about it. My neighbor two doors down has been around since God was a boy, and she’s always cooking something…but this late at night? I almost forgot this wasn’t me, coming home from a typical workday after leaving the funeral home. I unlocked my door and Malek was standing at my stove. I already knew he would look just as delicious as whatever he was stirring in that pot, just by the way he looked frombehind. Black slacks, tight in all the right areas, and a pinstripe button-up. Untied boots. His sleeves rolled up to the elbow with every tattoo on display. But all that is second to a man that knows how to cook. And one that’s doing it at two in the morning after I’ve had a long ass night.
I’m doing the shittiest job of hating this dude.
“If you’re feeding me because you ate what was left over from lunch, yours will be the next body in the basement of that funeral home.”
I dropped my bag and keys on the island, and he turned around, that damned shirt unbuttoned, and blood tainting the kitchen light that was doing its best to shine off the ring I realized I recognized around his neck. It’s the one he pulled off of that finger the night I met him. This must have had something to do with whoever it was I bagged up that night, and whoever he said he’s taking out for trying to come after Bridget. I tried not to let on that I’d noticed it.
“As flattered as I am, pet…I planned this as soon as you told me you were doing a job for somebody other than me. Bridget picked out the actual meal. Hope you like stew.”
I slumped into one of my bar chairs and put my head down on the marble. “If you only knew how bad this choice was for tonight and how much I don’t fucking care. It smells good.”
He searched every cabinet for a bowl, and made one, setting it down in front of me and sliding a spoon to sit next to it. “Did you barbecue somebody, love?”
I raised my head and scooted my bowl closer. “Nope. Made a stew of my own in the basement sinks. Nasty business. But it works like a charm and there’s no heavy lifting. Cleanup afterwards is usually pretty easy because of the chemicals. Just takes too fucking long.”
Malek’s smile seemed tired, but he leaned over the other side of the island and propped his chin on his hands. “No way. You gave ‘em an acid bath?”
I shoveled the stew into my mouth. It was actually spectacular. “Of sorts. Gets the job done. They just go right down the damn drain. Well…you know…after a while.”
He looked besotted. “What an amazing creature.”
Our eyes locked for way too long, and I found myself getting caught up in them before averting them over to where Bridget was sleeping in the coffin. She’s young. He wasn’t kidding. Beautiful by the looks of it and favors him just a little. She sleeps with the same peace he does, though I’m betting she’s just as insane.
“Is she okay?”
He nodded, straightening and stretching his arms. “Yeah. She’s used to the madness. Just not the attention. Don’t get me wrong, Bridget’s a fucking harlot…just not within…well…”
“Within themob.”
“Yes.”
I smiled down at my bowl, scooping out a bit more and raising the spoon to my mouth. “Slingin’ it on her own terms. I like her already.”
“Was that a lean towards my lack of respect for personal space?”
I snorted and glanced up to see him pouting. “Something like that.”
Malek smirked and turned to the stove, turning it off and putting the lid over the pot. “Ya know…contrary to what you might think Idoknow how to take a hint. This will keep for a few days. That’s usually enough to get sick of eatin’ it.” I stared as he turned back around, leaning back against the stove top. “Ring me if you need me for anything. I’ll see you tomorrow and figure out a place to take Bridge. I really appreciate this more than you know, Seven.”
“You’re not staying?”
Wrong thing to ask. His face lit up like a Christmas tree. “You sayin’ you want me to?”
Yes. No. Fuck…
The only other place I could put him is my own bed. Withme. He’d be absolutely giddy, but I honestly couldn’t even tell you how I’d feel. This feels way too soon. Although, one night stands usually happen the night you meet someone, so…is a week really too soon to buckle? He keeps up with this kinda shit, and I might be testing that theory.
“What did I say about flattering yourself?”
Damn that stupid dimpleandthat lip ring. I want it in mymouth. He’s gotta get outta here before I resort to something stupid. I’m too smart for this shit. I know better. He’s a mobster that unalives people for a living, stalks women and obviously has a problem with the word ‘no’.
“Sleep tight, love.”
He didn’t linger. And I didn’t look back as he passed by me, snicking the door closed as he left. I waited a few minutes and finished my dinner. Even took some extra time putting the leftovers in the fridge just so he wouldn’t see what he expected and catch me staring after him from the window. I avoided that area altogether actually. My shower was quick, but thorough,and when I climbed into bed, some part of me felt bad about wherever he ended up sleeping. But I was too tired for it to last long.
So, there’s this tick that I have.
