Page 60 of Stay Toxic

I decide not to ask what they're going to do with him.

"I'm a doctor," one of them tells me, and I don't point out that he looks like he's one of the Men in Black. "I'd like to check your vitals."

He asks me a few questions, my name, the date, the president, as he checks my pulse, and eyes.

"You're a little shaken up, but nothing food and a good night of sleep won't fix." The man stands and sighs at Markus. "Aren't we done with the whole vigilante thing?"

He shrugs wordlessly.

"Any reason why you involved us rather than the authorities?" the so-called doctor asks next.

"It's a family issue. I don't think it's over. Hold Mr. Grabby for me while I have a little chat with my cousin, would you?"

"Got it," the doctor says without question. "Call us once you have directions."

I decide not to make sense of it all yet.

Less than a minute later, Sebastian's Porsche stops in front of us, and I'm in his arms.

It's only then that I let it all out. The fear. The anger. All of the emotions that were numbed come out in the form of uncontrollable sobs. I probably snot all over his shirt, and he lets me, holding me close, into a warm hug.

"What happened?" his voice is tight.

I'm glad Markus answers. "Some guy wanted to snatch her. I was tracking one of my targets in the area when I heard her. Take care of your woman. But I need answers tonight."

Sebastian nods, and bends to wrap his arm behind the back of my knees, lifting me up like I weigh nothing and bringing me to the passenger side of his car.

He drives us in silence and does the same in reverse once we've arrived. I'm in his arms when I finally notice. "We're not in the dorm."

He shakes his head. "Too accessible."

With those words, he leads me to the door of a dark building, long and tall.

A tower.

Inside, everything is traditional; dark wood and leather furniture, bare brick walls, some ancient portraits and fancy statues.

No one says a word, although we encounter plenty of curious faces on our way to the elevator.

Sebastian says, "Press the last button please."

I do as I'm told. "I can walk, you know."

"I know." He keeps me in his arms.

The elevator pings, opening onto the largest room, with a sleigh bed and a splendid view of the woods beyond campus.

"Is this your dorm room?"When he nods, I manage a smile. "And here I thought mine was pretty nice."

This place is huge; larger than Ari's entire apartment.

"I'm the president of the wyverns, darling. Let's just say my house likes to make a statement."

That explains the Heintzman crystal piano and the freaking Monet on the wall. It doesn't look like an imitation.

He lowers me down on his bed gently, before bringing his mouth to my forehead. "You stay here and rest, understood? I'm going to order us food downstairs. Bathroom's this door if you need it. There's a full bar, too, but I'll only be a moment."

I nod, trying to smile. But when he moves to leave, my hand's wrapped around his wrist, and doesn't seem to want to let go.