Jessi moved her fingers and hands, testing her arm. It was completely fixed. She peered at the areas where there was bruising. Not a trace of the damage Jonny did remained. More vexing than the inexplicable medical miracle was the creature that did it. Nothing about Xander was remotely … nice. He toyed with her since she arrived and unapologetically played the part of the egotistical, chauvinistic pig he was.
She met his gaze, and they stared at each other quietly for a long moment.
It wasn't possible there was a decent side to him. She sensed some deep sadness when he mentioned his mother. Someone accustomed to taking what he wanted didn't just help someone like her. He should view the temp onboard for a week as disposable, like the women he slept with.
He lifted his chin towards the beach. Curious, she turned. As if sensing her doubt about how much of a jerk he was, he slapped her hard on the ass once more.
"I cannot believe I fell for that!" she exclaimed, facing him. "Slapping a stranger's ass is not a compliment, especially when that stranger is a woman. Now, are you going to tell your babysitter what's on the schedule for today or not?"
"Not."
The phone in her pocket vibrated. She pulled it free to see Gerry had texted. Xander snatched the phone.
"Good morning, cutie! Had a great time yesterday. Good luck with the asshole. See you tonight." He read aloud.
She grabbed the phone back.
"Bet he couldn't heal your arm," Xander said with irritation.
Jessi studied him briefly, sensing his mood darken, as it had yesterday when she mentioned dating Gerry.
"Now who's the jealous boyfriend?" She laughed, entertained at her own joke. "That's it, isn't it? You want me, because you can't have me."
"I can't have you?" he echoed.
"We're going out tonight," she added. "Me and Gerry. Hope that doesn't conflict with your schedule." She pretended to consider. "Oh. Right. There is no schedule. So I'm free to meet Gerry for lunch, too, if I want."
"Do it, and I fire you."
She couldn't help her smile. He really was pissed at her. For the first time since they met, she almost had the upper hand. Jessi debated answering then stalked into the apartment, ignoring him. The tiny victory felt good, almost as good as the knowledge that the sexy beast every woman on the planet drooled over wanted her.
It was a game to him, she knew. If she slept with him, he'd be done with her like he was every other woman. After the past few days, she'd take her tiny victory. Her eyes returned to her cured arm. Xander was beyond mysterious. She was afraid to know more about what exactly he was.