I nod. “She’s in shock,” I reply.
Kaz goes ahead to unlock the safe house door and hold it open for me as I carry her inside. He locks up behind us.
“I’m going to get hold of Joseph. Are you okay with her?” his eyes lock onto her with concern.
“I’ll take her up to the room. She just needs a moment, I think,” I say.
He nods and leaves, and I carry Maria upstairs to a small, neat, minimalist bedroom.
I sit on the bed with her still cradled in my arms and her legs wrapped around my hips. Her body is curved against me, her fingers clutching at my shirt, holding on as though she’s scared I might let her go.
“You’re safe now, baby bird. I’ve got you,” I speak gently.
She shivers in response. It’s a good sign. It’s better than nothing at all.
“Maria, are you hurt anywhere?” I ask.
She sniffs and half lifts her head. She’s shaking.
“I need to know if you were shot, or if you’re hurt in any way?” I ask again, gently touching the faint blue bruises fading into color over her jaw. Anger rumbles through me like thunder, but I bite down hard to push it back.The guy is dead. He hurt her…and he’s dead. It’s done.
“I… I don’t think so….” she whispers shakily.
Her breathing is still off. She’s taking quick, sharp breaths like she’s close to a panic attack.
“Look at me, Maria,” I ask gently.
Her eyes dart left and right, then lock with mine. They are shining with fear and shock. I softly cup my hand over her cheek and hold her face. “Breathe with me,” I say, then take in a slow, deep breath, encouraging her to do the same.
“In…”
I let it out.
“Out…”
Her first few attempts aren’t successful, but on the fourth try, she manages to slow down and take a proper breath. Her lungs stretch, and her chest rises against me.
“Good girl, that’s good,” I encourage her.
Her fingers are still knotted in my shirt, tugging at me. I pry one hand lose. “Relax, sweet little thing, you’re okay,” I tell her.
“I’ve…I’ve never seen anything like…like that,” she mutters. “There was…his head…there was so much blood….”
“Maria, look at me, keep looking at me.” I press my finger beneath her chin and tilt her head so she’s forced to look up at me. Her eyes are a little clearer, less dazed than they were before.
“I promise you, you’re safe now,” I tell her. She nods ever so slightly. Her eyes drift to my lips, and her fingers dig into the muscles of my biceps.
I sense the shift in her instantly. The small thrust of her hips as she moves in my lap.
My jaw clenches instantly.
I’m already struggling with her beautiful softness in my hands and her curves against my body.
Her lips part and she slowly sucks in her lower lip, letting her teeth graze over it. My heart beats faster, and I clear my throat, unsure what to do, but struggling to remain composed as my cock stirs to life.
“Maria,” I whisper.
In the blink of an eye, she leans forward, and her lips are locked with mine.
