Chapter 7

Once I snapped back to reality, I started struggling again. However, the sudden movement pulled at my injured ankle, and the pain made me grimace.

Michael had held me tightly, ignoring my attempts to wriggle free, and carried me all the way up to the sixth floor without stopping.

When we finally reached my apartment door, he gently set me down.

Instinctively, I stepped back, putting some distance between us, my guard immediately up.

I had heard enough stories about the circles people like him moved in—money could buy many things, and I wasn't about to let myself get caught up in something like that.

Though I had been spoiled and willful for most of my life, I came from a good family and had never crossed any moral lines. Whatever deals he was offering, I wanted no part of them.

Michael paused for a moment, looking a little surprised before breaking into a low chuckle. His voice dropped so much that I could barely make out what he was saying, but I caught snippets like "forget