Chapter Three

Ambrose

I am exhausted as I sit down for my morning coffee. I didn’t sleep at all. I knew Sierra would try to leave at some point. I didn’t want her either, but I will keep her safe like I promised. No matter how much she annoys me. Her father knows that leaving her with me would keep her safe from any danger. No one will try to get to her. They know better.

The sound of Sierra coming downstairs pulls me from my thoughts. I know she didn’t sleep either. I heard her tossing and turning. She was also crying at one point. I can only imagine how hard this must be for her. She has always been close to her father.

I take a sip of my coffee and nearly choke on it when she comes into view. She is only in my tee and her panties.

“Where are the joggers I gave you?” I ask.

I don’t want to see her in such an outfit or lack of. No matter how damn good she looks in my tee. Her long, dark hair is tied back in a messy bun. No make-up in sight. She still looks beautiful.

Sierra shrugs. “In the room. I was too warm. Can I have a coffee?”

“It isn’t that warm. Yes, you can have coffee.”

She reaches up to one of the higher shelves for a mug, even though there is some on the counter. The tee slips up, her ass covered with black panties coming into view. I swallow hard, and my grip on my mug tightens. I shouldn’t be staring, but I can’t help it. She has a nice ass and thighs. I lick my lips. What the fuck is wrong with me? I don’t look at her in such a way. I gather myself and pull my attention away from her.

She pours herself some coffee and joins me at the breakfast bar.

“We will go to your apartment to collect your things after breakfast.”

“I don’t want breakfast.”

“The matter isn’t up for debate. You will be eating something.” I reply firmly.

“Don’t talk to me like that. I will do as I please.” She counters, glaring at me.

God, this woman infuriates me.

“I am not fighting with you, Sierra, not this morning. You will be having breakfast.”

I keep myself calm. I refuse to let her continue to get under my skin. She can do it way too easily. She grabs an apple and takes a bite before she tosses it in the trash.

“What was the point in that? That was just a waste.”

She stands and picks up her mug. “Your lecture is a waste of time.”

She disappears out of the kitchen. My jaw tightens. I am trying my hardest not to lose my temper.

“Sierra, get back here and have some breakfast,” I call after her.

“Make me, jackass.”

I hear her head upstairs. The woman is going to be the death of me. She stresses me out. I jump to my feet and go after her. I barge into her room without knocking. It is my house; I don’t need to.

“What the fuck Ambrose?” she squeals.

She is in a state of undress. My tee no longer covers her body. It stops me in my tracks. I open my mouth to speak, but nothing comes out. It feels dry. My eyes scan her half-naked body. I lick my lips as my eyes fall on her bra-clad breasts. I swallow hard and move them downwards to her toned stomach and perfectly curved hips. Fuck! Her body is perfection. It is causing a slight pulse in my cock.

Sierra seems to be sauntering closer to me. I lift my head to look up at her face, finally. She stops only inches from me with a smirk on her lips.

“Enjoying the view?” she purrs, dancing her fingers down my chest.

What is she doing? I try not to let it get to me, but it is easier said than done.

“I-I-I don’t know what you mean.” I breathe out.

“Yes, you do. You are having naughty thoughts about me.” She replies, full of confidence.

“No, I am not. I wouldn’t be interested in you, even if you were the last woman on earth.” I reply and pull myself together.

Sierra scoffs. “The feeling is mutual. You couldn’t handle me, anyway. You aren’t man enough.”

I step into her. She takes a few steps until the back of her legs hit the bed.

“Trust me, I am more than manly enough for you,” I growl.

It is her turn to swallow hard, “No, you really aren’t.”

I laugh and take another step. She has nowhere to go and falls back against the bed. I lean down and place my hands on each side of her.

“You couldn’t handle me, sweetness.” I hiss and pull away.

I turn and walk out of the bedroom.

“I hate you.” She calls after me.

“Yet, you still want me to fuck you,” I call back before I head downstairs to have some breakfast. I can’t help but wonder if her teasing is part of some plan she is trying to come up with to get under my skin. If it is, I can play that game too.

I quickly whip up an omelette for the two of us. She isn’t leaving the house until she eats something.

I hear her come back downstairs and return to the kitchen. “Can we go now?” she snaps.

“No. We aren’t leaving until you sit down and eat. I have made you some breakfast.” I reply, not even looking at her.

She groans. “Fine! If it means I can get out of here.”

She sits down, not looking or talking to me. She eats every last bit of her breakfast. “I’ve eaten. Can we go now?”

I smirk. “Good girl.”

“Yes, daddy.” She says each word drips with sarcasm.

I was not expecting that response.

“We can leave once I shower and dress.”

“Fine, but can you make it quick? I need fresh clothes.”

“It will take as long as it takes.”

I gather the plates, rinse them and put them into the dishwasher.

“Don’t try running away. I will find you easily.” I warn before disappearing.

I know she is a flight risk. I won’t take long. I don’t trust her to leave her alone for long. I have no idea how I will manage to keep my eye on her. I can’t be around all the time. I will put my most trusted person on it to keep an eye on her when I can’t be around.

As much as I dislike her, I would never forgive myself if something happened to her. I will do everything in my power to make sure no harm comes to her.

I am showered and ready within twenty minutes. When I return downstairs, Sierra is impatiently pacing the hallway in front of the door.

“Where are my car keys?”

“It doesn’t matter where they are. You won’t need them. I will be driving to yours.”

She rolls her eyes, “Whatever. Can we go?”

I nod and grab my keys. I led us out to my car, which is in the driveway. I let her climb in first before I do the same. She focuses her attention out of the window. I reach over to fasten her seatbelt since she hasn’t. She doesn’t even flinch or say thank you.

“You are welcome for me protecting you if we have an accident,” I say sarcastically.

“Well, aren’t you a hero?” Her sarcasm meets mine.

I don’t respond to her. I start the car and head for her place. The journey is spent in an awkward silence.

“Can we stop somewhere so I can get an iced coffee?” she asks, breaking the silence.

I wanted to tell her no to be an asshole, but I have heard her moan enough for one day.

“Yes, but drive-through. I am not giving you an opening to disappear on me.”

I can’t see her, but I know she will be rolling her eyes again. I pull into the drive-through.

“Do you want anything?” she asks.

“No.”

She places her order for an iced coffee. Hopefully, it will keep her quiet for a while. Once she gets her order, I get us back on the road. We won’t be there long. She can get what she needs, and then we will go back to mine. I don’t want to risk her being out in the open for too long.

My place is safe. I have the best security system money can buy, along with a security team who will come any time I need them. I have handguns all throughout my house. No one can get to her at my place.

“If your roommate is home, you tell her as little detail as possible for your reason for leaving. The less she knows, the better. We will be in and out as quickly as we can. You refuse to leave; I will toss you over my shoulder and carry you out.”

I am not playing childish games with her.

“Is my roommate in danger?”

I can hear the concern in her voice for her friend.

“No, but I will have someone check in on her a few times a day if it will put your mind at ease.”

“Yes, please and thank you.” She replies, sounding genuine for the first time since last night.

“You are welcome. I promise she will be okay.”

Sierra falls silent again, drinking her coffee. I sigh to myself. I don’t know how long I can handle having her around, but she will stay as long as needed.