Chapter 182


    It was obvious that Tarquin had noticed Ely too


    He had another sleepless night, tossing and turning in his bed, haunted by the memory of their


    unexpected kiss in the grocery store. The thought of seeing her this morning to make breakfast for


    Elijah set his blood boiling with initation. He didn’t want to deal with her, and because of that, he’d


    tormented himself all night long, caught in a tug–of–war between reaching out and staying silent.


    Finally, without contacting her, he sumbed to a restless night of Insomnia.


    When dawn broke, he didn’t quite know what drove him, but he found himself dressing and heading


    downstairs. Not really knowing what he was doing, he lit a cigarette to pass the time.


    Before he could even finish smoking. Elysia appeared. It seemed, perhaps, he hade down just to


    wait for her.


    They stood there, locking gazes, neither speaking nor stepping forward. A standoffish dance separated


    by a mere twenty feet


    After what felt like an eternity, a cool breeze swept by, provoking a sneeze from Elysia


    She had been too frugal to take a cab that day, riding over on Blossom’s electric scooter, now parked


    just outside theplex. Only those who’ve braved the crisp, bitter momings on a scooter could truly


    understand the mix of pain and pleasure it brought Even bundled up in a mask and hat, the chill cut


    through her,


    “Achool”


    Another sneeze wracked her body, a telltale sign of a cold nipping at her heels.


    Tarquin frowned at her condition, his resolve wavering. Eventually, he snuffed out his cigarette and took


    the first step towards her.


    As he approached, Elysia’s heartbeat quickened, a reflexive urge to retreat bubbling up inside her. His


    icy aura felt like a confrontation waiting to happen.


    Clutching the thermos tighter, she stood her ground, straightening her spine, refusing to show


    weakness. She hadn’t done anything wrong, so why should she cower?


    “Stand strong, and d your enemies weaken,” she reminded herself, clearing her throat and scowling as


    if to say, “I’m not afraid of you!”


    Tarquin rolled his eyes and stopped in front of her. Noticing the thermos in her hand, his tone softened–


    rtively speaking, of course; he was still colder than most


    “Bringing Elijah breakfast?” he asked, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity.


    Yeah.


    “Why didn’t you let me know ahead of time?”


    “I have other things to do. I was just going to drop the breakfast off and leave”


    “Don’t want to see me?”


    Elysia blinked up at him, wordlessly questioning his blunt approach.


    “I’m not a monster, Elysia. As long as you don’t overstep, we won’t have a problem, Tarquin stated


    matter–of–factly


    “I haven’t overstepped!”


    “The incident at the bar, and yesterday at the supermarket–expect them not to happen again. Your


    personal life is your own business, but don’t set your sights on me. I’m not interested.”


    Elysia’s eyes widened at his words. Was he insinuating she was some kind of siren, luring men into her


    net?


    “L…” Elysia was ready to fire back when he continued, “Look, you’ve been bringing Elijah food, and he


    enjoys it. That’s your doing. We’ll stick to our agreement: a day’s meal counts as a day off your debt.


    Once Elijah warhis up to you, we can discuss your remuneration separately”


    At the mention of money, Elysia’s retort swallowed itself back down her throat.


    “What do you


    mean?”


    “Exactly what I said. You’re contributing to his wellbeing. That’s worth something. We’ll deduct ten


    thousand a day from what you owe for now. Well settle the restter.”


    Elysia’s eyes sparkled.


    Suddenly, the man before her seemed a bit more noble, even more handsome!


    Christer the apvalt vil potentar prosperity Pyret galing sale


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    What the asked pued


    Without responding Targum stride up the stars with long steps.


    Eve for moment before following with the thermos in her arm


    As they arcended the stars, the elderly couple from the neighboring apartment descended, greeting


    them warmly,


    “With your wife? What a beauty”


    Tarounmp


    Elyta could


    embarrassed and chuckled as they continued down the


    couple?


    look perfect together, a mate, made in heaven”


    Bysac


    anng under breath. Im not your houseke


    b be the housekeeper?


    Want to be my


    Terguns


    He stepped


    passive. “Good, because you’re not my type


    Elysia pursed trips, tempted to dump the contents of the thermos over his head But then she thought of


    the money and restrained


    –


    inside, she slipped off her shoes and ced the thermos on the dining table, her coat still on a clear


    sign she wasnt nning to stay long


    She hade to pick something up, but once inside, she couldn’t resist peeking to Elijah room,


    hadn’t seen him in a while and found herself missing tem


    09