Craving My Ruthless Ceo novel Chapter 45

Chapter 45: Forced To Live In His Home

Anna’s POV

I paused mid-bite, my fork halfway to my mouth. His tone was furious.

Was he jealous?

I decided to tease him back, just like he had done to me earlier.

I slowly forked a piece of egg, holding his gaze. “You could say so.”

Then I put it in my mouth, chewing slowly.

His expression darkened. His fingers tightened around his coffee cup until his knuckles turned white. “So you sleep with a lot of men.”

I swallowed, taking my time. “What do you think?”

“I’m tired of the bloody games, Anna.” Frustration bled into every word. “I want the truth.”

I set my fork down and met his gaze. “All you had to do was ask, Mr. Blackwood. Not make demeaning remarks about my personal life.”

Fire flashed in his eyes. “You gave me that impression when you told me you’ve seen multiple dicks.”

I gasped, heat flooding my face. “Well, you provoked me to lie when you made me feel stupid earlier!”

He leaned back in his chair. “I didn’t intend for you to feel that way. I merely pointed out that you were staring and acting like you’d never seen a naked man before.”

I sat up straighter. “Well, I did feel offended.”

He looked at me for a long moment, his expression flat. “There was no reason to feel that way, if it wasn’t true.”

“You don’t get to decide how I feel, Mr. Blackwood.” I rolled my eyes.

He tilted his head, a cocky smirk spreading across his face. “So, what? You want an apology?”

I huffed. “From you? Don’t make me laugh.”

“Exactly.” He picked up his coffee cup. “I’m not apologizing for how you felt. And you don’t get to lie just because you were offended.”

I rolled my eyes again. “Fine. It wasn’t one of my many lovers.” I shook my head, annoyed with myself for even playing along. “It’s my best friend, Zoey. She was just checking in to make sure I’m safe. You met her at Zetrov’s party, actually.”

His shoulders relaxed slightly. “I remember her.”

He took a slow sip of coffee. “You two seem different. How long have you been friends?”

“She’s been my best friend forever. We met in college.” I smiled, thinking back. “We’re worlds apart, actually. But somehow we just connect.” I picked up my juice again. “Zoey’s outgoing, confident, sexy, bold. She lights up every room she walks into. And I’m… me.”

“There you go again.” His voice cut through, filled with intensity. “That’s the second time you’ve put yourself down today. If you want to thrive in this world, Anna, you need to believe in yourself. Stop seeing yourself as less than what you are.”

His words reached an insecure part of me I’d kept buried. I looked up at him, catching the sincerity in his dark eyes.

“old you earlier how talented and unique you are. The fact that you’re not loud and outgoing doesn’t make you less. It makes you different, and that’s valuable.”

My throat tightened. “You sure know how to make a girl feel special.”

He shook his head slightly. “I’m not trying to flatter you, Anna. I just want you to see yourself the way I see you.” My heart skipped a beat. He really meant that He liked me, right? Or was I overthinking it?

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Chapter 45: Forced To Live In His Home

We held each other’s gaze for a long moment before I cleared my throat and looked away.

“Thank you.” I meant it for more than just his words. “For defending me. Letting me sleep in your bed and holding me all night. I really appreciate it.”

He raised an eyebrow, amusement flashing across his face. “You’ve thanked me a million times already. If you say ‘thank you’ one more time, I might be forced to do something about it.”

I blinked, then smiled faintly. “I can’t help it. My father taught me to always show gratitude.”

Now he really smiled, a small, approving curve of his lips. “Well, I can’t fault that. Your father sounds like a

smart man.”

“He was.” The words came out soft, as my mind replayed some of the beautiful memories we shared together.

He leaned back, the smirk lingering. “So, what’s your plan now?”

“Well, I just heard Drago has been taken care of and won’t be bothering me in the future.” I gave him a meaningful look, letting him know I’d overheard his phone call. “So the plan is to go back home, get some rest this weekend, and return to being your assistant on Monday.”

“No.”

I blinked. “No?”

“You heard me.”

“Mr. Blackwood, I can’t just stay here…”

“Yes, you can. And you will.” There was no room for argument in that tone.

“I understand you’re concerned,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “But I’ll be careful…”

“Anna, you don’t understand how men like Drago operate. He’s not going to let this go. I beat the hell out of him in front of witnesses. He’ll want revenge.”

“But your men have taken care of it. I’m sure he’s scared of going against you.”

“Fear only works for so long.” He set his coffee cup down hard enough to make me flinch. “Eventually, his pride will override his fear, and he’ll come looking for you.”

“Then I’ll go back to living with Zoey. He doesn’t know about her apartment.”

His brows furrowed. “That rundown building with broken security cameras and locks that probably haven’t been changed in a decade? You think that’s safe?”

“Don’t insult Zoey’s apartment.” Heat rose in my chest. “She works hard to afford that place.”

“I’m not insulting her effort. I’m stating facts. That building is a security nightmare, and I’m not putting your life at risk because you’re too stubborn to accept help.”

“I’m not stubborn…”

“Oh, you’re incredibly stubborn.” He stood, moving around the table toward me. “And in this case, it could get you killed.”

I stood too, refusing to let him tower over me. “Mr. Blackwood, I can’t stay here. It’s not proper. People will talk

”

“Let them talk.”

“You’ll be controlling my entire life!”

“m protecting your life. There’s a difference.”

“Is there?” I challenged. “Because from where I’m standing, it feels like you’re trying to own me.”

Possession blazed in his eyes. “I must remind you that you signed a contract, Anna. A legally binding

agreement that gives me authority over every aspect of your life, personal and otherwise. That includes ensuring you’re safe enough to do your job.”

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Chapter 45: Forced To Live In His Home

Of course he brought up that bloody contract to back me into doing his bidding. Why was I not surprised? He had all the power, and I was left with no choice.

“I still think it’s inappropriate.” I scoffed lightly. “Or are you no longer worried I’ll run to the blogs with all the juicy details of living with the great Roman Blackwood?”

His expression went ice cold. “That’s why I had you sign the NDA. And you know exactly what the consequences are if you go against me.”

I rolled my eyes.

There goes my personal space.

“That’s the third time you’ve rolled your eyes at me, Anna.” His voice dropped to a dangerous tone. “The next one will be met with grave consequences. You don’t want to test me.”

“Consequences?” I echoed.

What did he mean by that? Part of me was confused, another part thrilled at the possibilities. But I wasn’t in the mood to push him. Not right now.

A slow, cocky smile spread across his face. “You’ll find out soon enough if you keep testing me. Fair warning.” He stepped closer, his presence overwhelming. “But I suggest you save yourself the trouble and behave.”

My pulse quickened.

“You don’t have to worry about personal space.” He gestured toward the hallway behind him. “There are four bedrooms in this wing.”

He clasped his hands behind his back, looking every bit the arrogant billionaire. “If the room I selected isn’t befitting enough for you, Eva will give you a tour. You can choose whichever one suits your refined tastes.”

He knew the room was to my liking. I had never been in such a place. The marble bathroom alone was bigger than my entire apartment.

“The room’s great.” I lifted my chin. “I never complained about it.”

He clapped his hands together once, satisfied. “Then it’s settled. You’re staying here until I’m satisfied the threat has been neutralized. End of discussion.”

My phone buzzed again. Zoey, no doubt wondering why I’d stopped responding.

“I’ll need my clothes,” I said quietly. “My laptop. My things.”

His expression softened slightly. “Make a list. Text it to me. Everything you need will be here before this evening.”

“I can just go get them myself…”

“No. I’ll send someone. You’re not going anywhere near that apartment until I say so.”

“This is ridiculous.”

“This is necessary.” He moved closer, close enough that his scent wrapped around me. Sandalwood and cedar, dark and masculine. Close enough that my pulse kicked up. “I don’t take chances with things that are mine, Anna. And for as long as you’re my assistant, I’m responsible for you. Your safety, your well-being, your

success.”

The possessiveness in his tone should have annoyed me.

Instead, shivers raced down my spine.

“Fjne,” I said softly. “I’ll stay.”

“Good girl.”

My skin tingled. My breath caught. I saw the satisfaction flash in his eyes when he noticed my reaction.

His phone rang.

He pulled it out, glancing at the screen. “I have to take this.” He stepped away. “Blackwood.”

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Chapter 45: Forced To Live In His Home

I sank back into my chair, my breakfast forgotten, my mind spinning.

What had I just agreed to?

And why did the thought of staying here, in Roman Blackwood’s fortress, wearing his clothes, eating his food, and sleeping under his roof, make my heart race with anticipation instead of dread?

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