They could also be cold, something I’d seen in Sasha. First with Scott. Then with Damien.
What was different about the sexy dark-haired man was that he was much more dangerous because of his quiet demeanor. Perhaps Damien had been too stupid or entitled to realize if he’d made a single additional misstep, Sasha would have pounded his face into a pulp.
I’d known that instinctively.
I’d seen it in the shimmer of his blue eyes as they’d glinted like cut sapphires while holding Damien by the throat.
Cold. Dangerous. Enthralling.
I’d captured that from day one when I’d been introduced to him. Every time I’d seen him, he’d been like a storm waiting to break, as lethal as he was powerful.
That should terrify me. Hell, seeing the panic room or whatever he wanted to call it should horrify me enough to never want to spend time with him. It didn’t. I’d sensed his love for his daughter. And his extreme grief.
He was so multifaceted, so unusual that I craved to learn everything there was to know about him.
His passion countered almost any concept of the man being cold and calculating but, on the flipside, when he turned off his emotions, they were completely shut off.
After asking about his wife, he’d faded into a shell or maybe the prison he’d formed stone by stone, chain by chain in his mind. He simply couldn’t talk about her.
I’d felt completely at ease only moments before only to find myself wondering if I should call an Uber.
He’d sensed my thoughts, once again telling me that I wasn’t going anywhere. We’d curled in bed after that and while he allowed me to nuzzle him, even placing my head on his chest, he’d remained quiet until I’d fallen asleep.
His silence had been both unnerving and comforting.
It was morning and I had to return to my shit storm of a life the way he had to with his. Yes, I’d see him again at the party, although I’d already had thoughts of suggesting it wasn’t a good idea. From where I stood, I could see the five-o’clock shadow shading his chiseled jaw. It would appear he was growing a goatee. The look suited him as did his long hair. He’d been in the shower when I’d awakened and a part of me had wanted to join him.
Doing so would cross a barrier I wasn’t certain I wanted to cross. Not with how he’d reacted about his wife. While I’d read about aspects of his life on the internet, I’d found nothing about her or her death. I’d simply heard through the grapevine during my residency she’d died in childbirth.
I’d sensed by the odd flash in his eyes there was much more to the story. A story that had to be told only when he was ready and could trust someone enough.
This morning there was heft to his presence as if something significant was weighing heavily on his mind. I seriously doubted it was my faux pas in discovering the hidden compartment or in asking a single question. Yet it wasn’t my place to ask.
He sensed my presence seconds later, turning to face me. The shadow that had overpowered him the night before was gone, the flare of his nostrils and the upturned corners of his mouth indicating the ugly spell had been broken.
But what we’d shared was still a cautionary tale of two different people from two different worlds.
“How did you sleep?” he asked.
“Very well.”
“What is it?” How he was able to pick through the layers, realizing something was off no longer surprised me.
Still, I laughed nervously. “I think I just derailed my career by telling Scott I was finished with Damien. I deleted every photooff every account. Scott said I was finished and that I was a has-been.”
The instant the words left my mouth, he bristled. It was another stunning moment where I felt protected. How deliciously amazing.
“Stop, Sasha. I can tell what you’re thinking, but I feel okay about what might happen. It’s long past time for a change in my life. However, I will need to handle the fallout and face the music. No pun intended. That means I need to get back and make some phone calls and see where I stand. Since my proclamation a few minutes ago, I’m certain my phone will start blowing up.” While I wanted nothing more than to keep the fantasy going at least through the party, that wasn’t practical for either one of us.
“I would prefer if you’d stay here. I have plenty of room and an office to use while you sort this out.” His eyes were even more imploring than before.
“If you’re worried about Damien, don’t. Both Bernie and Danny will keep his paws off me. Trust me on that one.”
He took a deep breath. “I can’t keep you captive, Lainey, but I don’t think Damien is prepared to stop with his intentions of keeping you.”
“Except he never had me. Try and remember that. It’s over. Eventually, he’ll get the message. If not, then so be it. I’m not taking shit from anyone any longer.”
Thankfully, he smiled. “I’m glad to hear you say that, Lainey. You’re far too talented, beautiful, and special to allow anyone to influence you in any way.”
