Chapter 182

It was obvious that Tarquin had noticed Elysla 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 succumbed 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 had come 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 the complex. 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–

relatively 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 rest later.”

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 કાચી કૂવોના કાને કોણ કાકા ની કોર નુ ંકેવું તો તને સ thele benile retained to win on bike કરો ન ેકે કાશ 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 placed the thermos on the dining table, her coat still on a clear sign she wasnt planning to stay long She had come 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