Chapter Eight – Where Are You Taking Me?

“Wyatt, where the hell are you taking me? We are driving away from everything,” Alyssa asks, confused.

“You will find out when we get there,” I answer simply. I decided against shopping. I believe if I had made her try on any more clothes, she may have killed me. Instead, I am taking her to my place for dinner. I could show her around since she will be spending the night before we leave for our trip. She told me she wouldn’t do that, but she will. It will make things easier.

She turns away. “You are so annoying,” she mutters under her breath.

I chuckle at her reaction. Do I really get under her skin that much? Because she gets under mine, too. The weekend should be interesting. Alyssa continues to stare out of the window, not speaking to me for the rest of the journey. I arrive outside my house. I have an apartment in the city, but this is my main house.

“We are here,” I announce, opening my security gate and driving up the long, gravel driveway. I bought this place about a year ago. I like it because it is away from any main road or too many people. I own the land surrounding it, too. I fell in love with the place instantly. It is secure, too, which I like. I have everything I need here. It has three floors. The house consists of six bedrooms, four bathrooms, two swimming pools—one inside and one out—a gym, a cinema room, a sauna, and ample office space. I am surrounded by nature, but you can still see the view of the city skyline from the top balcony.

“Where is here?” she asks, wide-eyed.

“My house,” I smile.

“Wow, it is stunning and massive. Why am I here?”

“I realised you had enough of shopping. Instead, I brought you here for dinner. I will cook us dinner. A healthy one, not one of your stupid takeaway meals.”

“Really? The pizza again? You don’t even know me, Wyatt. I take care of myself. I told you that. I eat well. I am at the gym four days a week and sleep eight hours a night. It would still have nothing to do with you even if it didn’t,” she says.

My grip tightens on the steering wheel. The damn attitude is back again. She thinks she is taking care of herself, but trust me, she could still be doing it better. I always ensure my partners are taken good care of in every aspect of life. I need them fit and healthy to keep up with me because I am fit and healthy.

I chose to keep my mouth shut. I pulled up outside in my parking spot. I have a garage, but I don’t always park in it. I have nothing to worry about. My place is surrounded by large fences, electric at the top, alarms, cameras, and sensors. I have all sorts of security. You can never be too careful.

I climb out first and head around to open the door for Alyssa, but she has already opened it and is stepping out when I do.

“You couldn’t have waited for me to get your door?”

“Wyatt, that is the type of thing a gentleman does. You are not one of those,” she says.

I step forward, trapping her between my body and the car. “I am a gentleman. I don’t appreciate you assuming otherwise, Miss Corbet.”

She rolls her eyes and pushes away from me. “Yeah, sure you are.”

I know how to treat women. I may come across as an ass, but the only place I am not much of a gentleman is in the bedroom. But I open doors, help them out of cars, and pay, always.

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath before closing the car door he had left open. I can’t lose my patience or temper with her because I don’t need to give her any excuses not to come this weekend.

I walk to her side and rest my hand on the small of her back, guiding her towards my front door. I tap in my code. I don’t have keys for my front door; I prefer locks which can’t be broken or hacked and can only be opened with codes. I can change them every week.

She freezes when we step inside. Her eyes go wide, and her jaw drops as she looks around.

“This place is so beautiful,” she gushes. “I love the high ceiling and the beautiful double staircase.”

“Thank you. I designed a lot of it myself. I didn’t build it, but I did dictate what I wanted for the interior designer,” I smile.

“You have a great creative mind,” she says brightly.

“I think that is the first time you have complimented me.”

“Are you trying to say I am mean?” she pouts.

“Most of the time. Yes.”

“I am not! I am nice. It is you who makes me not so nice. You get under my skin too easily,” she huffs.

I smirk. “Good. I like getting under your skin. Now, follow me, and I’ll give you a tour of the place.”

“Are you always this annoying or just towards me?”

“Maybe if you didn’t let me get to you as easily, we wouldn’t have such an issue,” I reply casually.

She shakes her head. “Give me the tour.”

“Yes, ma’am. After, I will make us dinner.”

“You are going to cook?” she asks, surprised.

Why is she surprised? I mentioned I cooked all my meals.

“Yes, I cook. I don’t have someone to do it for me unless it is an event. You should really stop assuming things about me, Alyssa. There is more to me than you know.”

She sighs. “I will try.”

“I will take it.” I offer her my hand. “Ready?”

She looks up at me and then down at my hand. “What do you want me to do with that?”

God, this woman is infuriating! I don’t answer; instead, I grab her hand in mine and link our fingers. She doesn’t try to pull away but looks at me, confused. I smile and start the tour. It is a big place; showing her around will take some time. I have no other plans for tonight. And if Alyssa has plans, then tough; she can change them because she won’t be leaving here until I know she has had a proper meal.