Chapter 12

Elise.

Jace threw the bucket aside, cussing in all colors of the rainbow. He was about to reach for me, when I got snatched out of nowhere and carried down the hallway.

“Put me down!” I screamed, unable to punch Hunter. He managed to toss me effortlessly over his shoulder, pinning both my hands to his chest as he carried me.

I couldn’t even freaking kick him in this position. As if he knew what I was thinking, he chuckled, saying, “Not today, little monster.”

There was something in the way he said it that made it sound almost sexual, and I couldn’t help the heat sprouting across my cheeks. I was certain it wasn’t what he meant, but…

“Let me go, or so help me, I will–”

“Yes?” I didn’t have to see his face to know that he found this highly amusing.

“Hunter, I swear…”

He made a turn into one of the guest bathrooms, heading straight toward the shower. He used his one free hand and slid open the glass door of the shower, then lowering me to stand in front of him. I was about to take the opportunity to punch him, when he grabbed my hand and spun me around to face the shower.

“What the f–” I didn’t get the chance to finish my sentence. He shoved me into the small space and turned on the cold water.

It felt like bullets of ice raining down on me. I twisted around, fuming. I didn’t bother to put up a fight at this point, knowing fully he won’t let me out. Much less allow me to get one punch in.

Hunter was a breed of his own. Instead, I did the only thing I could think of, and spat at him, “Go eat shit!”

Hunter, who appeared not the slightest bothered by my outburst, wiped the spit from his cheek and said, “Clean up, little monster. You smell like a chicken shit.”

With that he slid the shower door closed. Through the glass I watched him close the bathroom door behind him, leaving me all alone in here.

I would have gone after him and have my final say, but he kind of did give me what I wanted; a shower and some time alone.

I muttered a few more insults, reaching for the hot water and turned it on. My body erupted in goosebumps of pleasure as the heat rolled over my body. I let out a breathy moan that may have bordered close to sexual. In favor of my luck, Hunter chose that exact moment to return with clothes.

I cursed. “You don’t knock? What if I already undressed, shit bag?”

He shot me an amused look, tossing a pile of clothes on the floor beside the shower. “It sounded like you were doing much more than just undressing.”

“Go fuck yourself,” I snapped.

He didn’t reply, turning his back to me and walking out. The second the door shut behind him, I bolted for the door and turned the lock. Then I began the long, strenuous process to peel off my wet clothes from my body. The worst part was removing the skinny jeans. I may have contemplated cutting them off with scissors, but managed it eventually without the extra tools.

I would have spent a few hours in that delicious, hot shower, if it weren’t for my stomach’s protests and me close to the verge of fainting of hunger.

I was admittedly impressed to discover that Hunter had brought me the comfiest set of pajamas I owned, alongside a pair of slippers. I had to examine the clothes before putting them on, though, as I didn’t trust his charity as far as I could throw him. And, I couldn’t, so that wasn’t a lot.

Once I was done, I made my way to my bedroom, deciding to check it before heading for the kitchen, just in case there might be more surprises in there waiting for me.

Fortunately, everything was as I had left it the night I went to watch the race with Loren. Speaking of which, I had a few bones to pick with her. That was something that would have to wait until later. Or, whenever I’d have the time or energy to deal with her.

The betrayal was as fresh as it was the day it had happened. Sure, I get she was scared, but she took my car and left me stranded.

“Miss Cartwright?”

I vaulted around in surprise, almost smacking the tray of food out of Harris’ hands. “Harris…” I breathed a sigh of relief. “You scared the shit out of me.”

“Well, I strongly doubt there must be plenty of shit to scare out of that tiny body of yours,” Harris said matter-of-factly. “You’re all skin and bone, you are.”

I snorted a laugh, lifting the silver lid off the plate to see what food Harris brought me. “How did you know? I was about to come to the kitchen to grab something.”

“Sir Cyrus informed me.”

“You call the rogue Sir now?” I arched my brow. “The same guy you warned me about this morning?”

“If he cares enough to consider your well-being, he is worthy of an appropriate title.”

I rolled my eyes, catching a whiff of melted cheese and bacon as I placed down the lid. I was about to protest against that statement, but that plate of pasta was screaming my name. “I’ll need seconds, Harris.”

Harris nodded. “Just ring the kitchen if you’re ready for a second helping. I will–”

“No. Bring another one. Now, please.” I picked up the fork and grabbed the tray from Harris, heading straight for my bed. “And could you bring snacks, as well. Please?”

I didn’t need to tell Harris which ones, as he knew what I’d like and what I needed at this time.

I had special snacks reserved for every occasion. For bad days, like today, a little of everything. When I’m dealing with girl emotions or periods, he’d have a chocolate lava cake baked for me and served aside some more chocolate and ice cream.

On days when I felt like being alone, or just wanted to binge watch shows, salty snacks all the way.

I could go on, but this list would get long and I was too hungry to think right now.

Harris offered a curt nod, smiling. “I’ll be right back, Miss.”

I cracked a wide smile, scooping up a heaped fork of pasta, strings of melted cheese pulling apart as I lifted it to my mouth.

I may have released another moan that may have bordered on sexual. Good thing this time, Harris had closed the door and I was alone to devour my meal in peace.

Sadly, this peace would be temporary.