Before Natalie could answer, Cassian spoke slowly, one word at a time. "You're not afraid of me. You know I won't hurt you. So what are you terrified of? I'm stuck here because of the acid rain. If it were Olivia asking to stay tonight, would you turn her away?" Natalie froze. She thought about it and decided she probably won't turn Olivia away. Even if the acid rain lasted a month, she could survive without using her storage space stash and still keep her secret. Cassian caught the look on her face and nodded. "Exactly. You wouldn't." Then he said firmly, "The only one you're afraid of letting in is me." He took a step closer. His voice lowered. "Or maybe ... you're not afraid of me. Natalie, you're worried you would fall for me." Her mind exploded like thunder. She wanted to snap back, but he was standing too close, his presence pressing the air out of her chest. Thoughts flashed through her head, excuses she could use, but all she managed was, "Cassian, why are you talking so much today?" Cassian chuckled, light and easy, as if her irritation amused him. "If you kick me out, it means you've fallen for me. If you haven't, then you'll let me stay." Natalie was speechless. She nearly rolled her eyes. What kind of twisted logic was that? If I send him away, does it mean I like him? Cassian smiled, settled back on the couch, and waited for her decision. Either way, he was happy.Natalie fumbled for words, but nothing came. Cassian saw her struggle. He shamelessly softened his tone and pleaded eagerly, "Please, beautiful landlord, take in this poor man with nowhere else to go." Cassian paused, then added more seriously, "Every supply I use while I'm here, I'll pay back double. On top of that, I'll give you extra for rent." Natalie's lips twitched at the pathetic act he was putting on. "Wouldn't that be a loss for you?" Cassian grinned, catching her smile. "Not a loss." Then he reached into the bag he had brought with him and pulled out a large, flat box. "As proof of my sincerity," he said, holding it out, "here's your advance payment." Natalie's curiosity got the better of her. She reached for the box and slowly opened it. Inside the box was a necklace made of emerald beads. Every stone was the finest, deep green, and shining like it belonged in a museum. Natalie froze. "You're paying rent with this?" Cassian nodded. "I was saving it to trade for some tea. Guess it works just as well for lodging." Natalie carefully rubbed the smooth beads, her voice steady but her fingers shaking. "How much did this cost you?" Cassian thought for a moment. "Picked it up years ago when I was collecting antiques. About 80 million." Natalie's face stayed calm. "Not bad!" Inside she was screaming. Eighty million! The antique is actually worth eighty million!Damn! Jackpot! I'm set for life. Cassian noticed her calm face. He asked, a little cautious, "You don't like it?" Like it? I loved it. What woman wouldn't love a necklace worth 80 million? Still, she forced herself to answer coolly, "It's okay. I guess I'll accept it." Cassian smiled. "So I can stay the night?" Natalie tucked the jewelry box away like it was made of glass. "You can." He can stay. For 80 million dollars, he could stay at any hotel in the country. Of course, I'll let him stay. Better yet, I'll make sure Mr. Holland is comfortable. Still, she wasn't careless. She took the pistol he'd given her earlier. "I'll give it back when you leave." Being careful never hurts. Cassian wasn't offended. He grinned. "Aren't you going to check if I've got more weapons on me?" Natalie hesitated, then shook her head. "No need." He teased, "So you trust me that much?" His face carried that smug look of a man convinced she cared more than she admitted. Natalie's temper flared at his challenge. "Come here. Let me search for you!" Cassian chuckled and obediently stepped forward. Natalie was determined to prove her distrust. She searched him thoroughly. She checked every pocket and even ran her hands over his clothes to see if there were hidden compartments. That firm chest—no, no hidden pocket there. Oh! His abs are solid. His waist is narrow. His legs are long. His backside— Cassian's eyes darkened as he watched her hands wander bolder. "Done yet?" Natalie shot him a defiant look. "Not yet." He asked me to search him—so I would. Let's see who came out on top. Cassian caught the smug look on her face and smiled. "I'm worried you didn't check me carefully enough. Maybe I should take off my shirt so you can really search?" He actually raised his hands as if to pull his shirt off. Natalie's eyes went wide in shock. She stumbled back several steps. "I'm done!" Cassian's eyes glimmered with amusement. "Oh? But this is about your safety. Shouldn't you be more thorough?" Every inch of her screamed refusal. "No!!" You sneaky scumbag! Back off, back off, back off! Cassian laughed. "Alright, I'll listen to you." Natalie let out a long breath. Why is it that every time I face him, I never have the upper hand? Better to avoid trouble while she could. She turned on the TV. "Watch a movie for now. I'll go set up a room for you."