Max

I'm having to do absolutely anything to take my mind off the fragrant female next to me. This was such a bad idea. So bad.

It's the worst idea I've ever had, and I pride myself on making good decisions.

I should just pay her off and be done with it. Get Victoria Graham out of my life. I don't need the aggravation which comes alongside the need for a mate.

And trolls have never mated with humans, so I am not mating with her. I've been working long hours, and this new acquisition is taking up too much of my time. It's the only logical reason I have for my reaction to this human.

Plus, as ruthless as I might be in business, I am never going to stand by while anyone or anything is scared and alone. Trolls fight for what is right. I fought too, and even though I lost everything, I still believe in it.

"You can take any of the rooms down there." I point to the corridor running off to the left behind the open plan kitchen and living area. "I expect you'll want to get some sleep."

"If you want me to live here, I'm going to need to arrange to get the things I'll need for the next month from my home."

The second she says "home," my heart jars in my chest.

"No," I rasp.

"No? What do you mean, ‘no'?" Victoria squares her shoulders, and here is her fierceness, ready for the fight.

"I mean, I will arrange a wardrobe for you." I wave my hand dismissively. "Something better than your current…outfit."

She narrows her eyes and opens her mouth to say something, then clearly thinks better of it. Instead she looks around, taking in my penthouse apartment with interest.

"Yes, you're right. I am tired. Being auctioned off to the highest bidder does that to a girl." Victoria does the worst mock yawn I've ever seen.

Then her stomach growls in a way which could put a troll to shame. Her cheeks color instantly, and she swears under her breath.

"Have you eaten…this evening?" I query. From the sound she just made, it appears she might not have eaten for a week.

Victoria looks suddenly shifty. "I'm fine. I'd like to go to bed."

I take the bag she's been clutching and toss it away.

"No, you're going to get something to eat." I take hold of her arm and stride over to the kitchen with her in tow. "Here." I fling open the fridge. "Have whatever you want."

She stares up at me.

"I told you, I'm fine," she says, teeth gritted.

"Do what you like." I find my patience at an end, a feeling of exhaustion washing over me and a stabbing behind my eye which I know is going to turn into the mother of all troll headaches. "I'm going to bed. We can discuss your employment tomorrow."

I leave her as the stabbing gets worse, taking the passage to the right, and as I turn the corner, I'm bouncing off the wall as my vision struggles. By the time I'm in my room, I can't stand any light whatsoever, and I can't even undress. Instead I hit the bed fully clothed, knowing there's nothing I can do until the pain passes.