“Oh, you can drop me off at Finsbury Park tube station. I live close by.”

“Nah, we’ll take you to your gaff. Looks like it could be rain,” said Stu, nudging me with his shoulder. I wished he’d stop touching me. I wasn’t used to it, which was why it made me go all mushy and ridiculous.

I hesitated another few seconds and Trevor let out a low chuckle. “I don’t think she wants you knowing where she lives, bruv.”

My throat went completely dry as Stu turned his body to face me. Also, let it be noted that his arm was resting along the back of the seat, just shy of my shoulders. I was more or less surrounded by Stu Cross, and I had to admit that even if my brain was wary, my body was overjoyed. Glancing to the side I found him studying my profile.

“That true, Andrea?”

I shook my head and protested a little too profusely. “Of course not. I just don’t want you going out of your way.”

“We’re not. Like I said, I want to return the favour, so tell him where we’re headed.”

Trevor piped up, a twinkle in his eye. “Return the favour? What did I miss?”

“None of your business, so shut up and drive.”

“Can’t drive with no destination.”

Stu reached out and grabbed my knee, giving it a squeeze. I felt the touch zing right between my legs and wanted to slap myself for the reaction. Why was I suddenly growing a libido after years of nothing?

“Your address, luv.”

“My name is Andie.”

“Andie’s a bloke’s name,” said Trevor.

“I told you to shut it,” Stu barked.

“I was only saying.”

“Yeah well, don’t.”

“I live on Queen’s Drive,” I blurted, if only to end their bickering.

Trevor grinned. “Aw shit, babe. I didn’t think you’d actually tell us.”

“Just drive, dickhead,” Stu growled, growing irritable now.

“But she should know about your problem, bruv, just in case you fall off the wagon.”

I looked at Stu. “What’s he talking about?”

“He’s acting the prat. Don’t listen to him.”

Trevor eyed me through the overhead mirror again. “You want to know what he was really put away for? The stolen car racket is a load of bull. You see, Stu actually has a thing for breaking into women’s homes and stealing their underwear. It’s a . . . what do you call it? A fetish. Can’t help himself. And now that he knows where you live, well . . .”

I knew he was making it up when he winked at me. I wanted to laugh because Stu looked like he was about to throttle his brother.

“You’re fucking hilarious, Trev. See how I can’t stop laughing,” Stu deadpanned.

“Tell me about it. I should have my own show. I’d make a mint on TV.”

I let out a chuckle and Stu’s eyes returned to me, focusing in on my smile. His lips curved slightly, but he held his own smile at bay. I was overly aware of how his hand still rested on my knee. When Trevor focused back on the road, Stu’s thumb moved, brushing back and forth over the fabric of my trousers. I hitched a breath and he shifted closer, which really wasn’t necessary because he was already in my personal space.

“I enjoyed our lunch,” said Stu, dipping his mouth so he could speak at my ear. “Can we do it again tomorrow? My treat this time.”

I turned my head, my eyes drawn to his for some inexplicable reason. Our mouths were way too close. “But you’re already paying me back by giving me a lift home.” My voice was barely a whisper.

“I’ll bring the food. I like talking to you,” he said, ignoring my previous statement.

Needing some space, I slid my arse across the seat so I was practically plastered against the window. He had me penned in and there was literally nowhere else to go. All he did was move with me, and I inwardly sighed because there was no winning in this situation.

So, I sat it out, folding my arms across my chest and staring at the passing scenery, thankful the stereo was on to drown out the silence. A minute later Trevor’s phone rang, and he put it on speaker before proceeding to chat away with one of his friends. I barely heard what he was saying, because I was too aware of Stu. His smell. The feel of his body next to mine. The way he watched me as I continued to pretend I didn’t notice.

The journey felt like it took forever, especially since Stu seemed to have taken a vow of silence. Trevor was still on the phone to his friend when we pulled up to my flat. Stu got out first, coming around to open my door for me. As I emerged I saw the curtains twitch in the living room. Great. Alfie was spying.

“Thanks,” I murmured, unable to meet Stu’s gaze. The car journey had been way too intense, especially the quiet portion.

“No problem. See you tomorrow, Andrea,” he said, his deep voice caressing my name.

“Yeah, see you,” I said, hitching my bag up on my shoulder and turning abruptly to open the gate. He knew where I lived now, and there was something both powerless and electrifying about it.

I could feel his gaze on my back all the way to the front door. It was only when I got inside the flat that I felt I could breathe again. Unfortunately, it only lasted a moment before Alfie was in front of me, his arms folded, and an accusatory look on his face.

“Who was that?”

I shrugged and went to hang up my coat. “A friend.”

“Hmmm. I didn’t know you had friends like that.”

“Like what?”

“Friends who look like they just stepped off a Guy Ritchey film set.”

“Oh Alfie, I’m really too tired for this today.”

“That was him, wasn’t it? The ex-criminal? That man looked exactly as you described your new student, and I think it’d be a bit of a coincidence that you suddenly made a new friend who’s practically his clone.”

“He’s not dangerous,” I said and moved past him into the kitchen. All I wanted to do was cook dinner and pour a glass of wine. I really didn’t have the patience to indulge my cousin’s paranoia.

“Even so, I’ve never seen you get a lift home from a student before. This isn’t like you.”

He was right. It wasn’t like me, but I didn’t have the emotional energy to delve into why I was acting so out of character. Sure, Stu had been determined to give me a lift home, but it wasn’t like I couldn’t have put my foot down and declined. If I was being completely honest with myself, I’d wanted to take the lift. Some deep, dark, very unprofessional part of me enjoyed his attention. Nevertheless, I wasn’t prepared to admit any of this to Alfie.