Chapter 679

Finally ditching the Eilish Group and getting out of Anthony's line of sight, Juniper let out a big sigh of relief.

She couldn't shake the feeling that she was just imagining things. Maybe Anthony was just passing by and didn't give a damn.

But there was this nagging voice in her head saying Anthony wasn't the type to stick his nose in other people's business. It wasn't just a coincidence; he actually cared about her. The fact that he helped her with the medicine earlier proved it.

"What's on your mind?" Ronnie waved a hand in front of her face.

Juniper shot back, "Just drive, okay? I don't want to end up in a wreck with you."

Ronnie teased, "Wouldn't that be something? We crash, end up in the same hospital room, and spend all day and night together. Bet we'd catch feelings."

Juniper rolled her eyes, "What kind of nonsense are you spouting? Isn't it better to stay in one piece? Where do you even come up with this stuff?"

Ronnie grinned, "What do you mean where? I'm your knight in shining armor, here to rescue you. How's that for handsome?"

Juniper pouted, "I guess it's timely."

"Of course. Whenever you need me, I'll be there, no matter where I am. And you don't know this, but every day after work, I circle around your company, hoping to bump into you. My gut feeling was spot on today."

"You're just making that up." Juniper laughed. "Can you stop acting like a creepy stalker around my office? It's creepy just thinking about it."

Ronnie retorted, "How could it be? It should be touching, right? Having such a devoted and persistent admirer who's so handsome, you should feel lucky."

Juniper responded with a cold smile.

Ronnie asked, "What do you wanna eat? My treat."

"I'm not hungry."

Ronnie said, "Why not? You don't like me, do you?"

Juniper explained, "No, my back's hurt."

A sudden hard brake startled Juniper.

"Let me see." Ronnie said, all worried.

Juniper declined, "No need. I'm wearing clothes. Hey, you can't just strip me on the street. Stop it."

She pushed his hand away.

Ronnie asked, "How did you get hurt?"

"I accidentally hurt myself."

Ronnie's eyes turned serious. "Tell the truth."

Juniper licked her lips and replied, "I got beaten by my dad."

"Your dad hit you?"

"He doesn't usually hit me. This is the first time. I made him really mad." Speaking of this, Juniper couldn't help but ask, "Can you do me a favor?"

Ronnie said, "Just say it. As long as you ask, I'll do anything for you without hesitation."

Juniper replied, "It's not that dramatic. I just want... Can you find me a place to stay? I don't wanna go home."

Ronnie said, "No problem. Come live with me. My place is big."

Juniper refused, "No way, it has to be a separate place. A small apartment will do. 1,000 square feet is more than enough, no, 500 square feet is enough. I won't take advantage of you for free; I'll pay rent. But I haven't gotten my paycheck yet, so I'll have to wait until next month..."

Ronnie interrupted her, "That's not acceptable. I'm a businessman; I don't do losing deals. Since you don't have money, you'll have to compensate with your body, or live with me. Choose one."

"Aren't you taking advantage of the situation? Forget it, I'd rather go home and get beaten." Juniper pouted and turned her face away.

Ronnie laughed. "You have quite a temper. Alright, how could I refuse when you ask? I'll arrange it now."

Juniper said happily, "Thank you."

For dinner, they had porridge, and then Ronnie took Juniper to the apartment.

It was a brand-new studio apartment, 600 square feet, but super fancy, and right in the city center, just a ten-minute walk from the company, with sky-high rent.

Juniper asked, "Why'd you find such a swanky place?"

"I'm loaded. You think I'd own a dump?"

Juniper thought about it and nodded, "But I just started at the company, and my paycheck's peanuts. If I blow it all on rent, I'll be eating ramen every day."

"Well, then you'll have to compensate me somehow." Ronnie flashed that wicked grin again.

Juniper rolled her eyes. "I'll just crash here for a month. Once I get my salary, I'll find another spot."

Ronnie said, "Just stay here. It's close to work. Stay as long as you want. Just one rule..."

"What?"

Ronnie locked eyes with her, dead serious. "No bringing other dudes home."

Juniper said, "Even if I wanted to, I don't have any guys."

Ronnie raised an eyebrow.

Juniper knew he was talking about Anthony.

Juniper explained, "Don't overthink it. He's got a girlfriend. Do you think I'd be the type to mess up someone else's relationship?"

"You're not, but he's the type to mess up someone else's relationship. And with feelings, the most dangerous thing is impulsiveness. What if you have a moment of weakness... Juniper, I'm willing to spoil you, indulge you, and be easygoing, but I have my limits. I won't tolerate being cheated on." Ronnie said, all intense and serious.

Juniper felt a bit nervous and laughed awkwardly. "Cheating? You talk like you're really my boyfriend."

Ronnie asked, "So you're just using me?"

Juniper didn't answer, feeling a bit guilty.

Juniper said awkwardly, "Not exactly using. If you're not cool with it..."

Ronnie cut her off, "It's not that I'm not cool with it, but if you don't take me seriously, I won't be happy either. I respect you, so please respect me."

Juniper was speechless because, in this matter, she did feel guilty towards Ronnie.

But Ronnie quickly switched back to his playful self. "Look, you're living in my place now, so you're my responsibility. I'll protect you."

Juniper retorted, "Who needs your protection? I'm gonna take a shower and sleep. Get out."

"Can you be any more ungrateful? Kicking me out right away, I'm heartbroken."

Juniper said, "Don't talk like that; it makes me uncomfortable."

Ronnie stepped closer to her. "Look, you're staying here alone tonight. It must feel weird and uncomfortable. You'll be scared. Let me stay and keep you company."

"This neighborhood has top-notch security. What's there to be afraid of?" Juniper rolled her eyes at him. "Besides, I went abroad when I was a teenager. I'm pretty brave."

"But I'm worried about you. Let me stay and keep you company. Okay?" Ronnie grabbed her waist and pulled her into his arms, his eyes full of mischief, trying to seduce her. He slowly leaned in, moving towards her lips.

Juniper didn't dodge, and Ronnie felt a surge of joy.

He closed his eyes and continued to lower his head, but just as he was about to touch her lips, Juniper put her finger on his lips. "Get out!"

"Heartless." Ronnie felt hurt.

Juniper didn't expect herself to be so calm. Maybe it was because she was slowly getting to know Ronnie and felt he was a good person. At least he was good to her and would never force her.

Ronnie was a super playboy, so he wouldn't make a good boyfriend. No matter how sweet his words were now, in the future, the number of women he would cheat with could fill a country. But as a friend, he seemed to be quite loyal, so she could trust him.

Juniper urged, "Leave. I'm going to sleep."

Ronnie reminded, "Lock the door. If you miss me tonight or need anything, call me immediately. Don't..."

Before he could finish, he was pushed out the door.

Ronnie chuckled. It was the first time a woman had kicked him out, but why did he feel so good?

He turned around and whistled.