“There's a difference between controlling and protecting.”
“Is there?”
The question hangs between us. He's genuinely asking. After James, after everything, he doesn't trust himself to know where that line falls.
I turn back to Tank. “Thank you. For keeping him away from me.”
Tank's eyes sweep over me. Assessing, but not unkind. Cataloging details out of habit.
“No need.” His voice is deeper than I expected.
“Rhodes.” He turns to Kai. “Place is clear. Swept it twice.”
“Thank you. Anything I should know?”
“Building security is solid. I added a few upgrades. Motion sensors on the terrace, secondary lock on the service entrance.” He pulls a card from his pocket, hands it to me. “My number. Anything feels off, you call. Day or night.”
I take the card. “Thank you, again. For everything.”
The corners of his mouth lift. Not quite a smile, but close.
“Just doing my job, ma'am.”
“Emma,” I say. “Please. Ma'am makes me feel old.”
This time, warmth flickers in his eyes. “Emma, then. I'll be around. You won't always see me, but I'll be there.”
He nods to Kai, lets himself out. The elevator doors close behind him with a soft chime.
And then it's just us.
Kai sways slightly on his crutches. I'm at his side before I can think.
“Hey. Time to sit down.”
“I'm fine.”
“You're about to fall over.”
“I'm not—“ He stumbles. I catch his arm. “Okay. Maybe sitting would be good.”
I help him to the couch, a massive sectional that could seat fifteen comfortably. He sinks into it with a sigh of relief, propping his boot on the coffee table.
“Better?”
“Much.” He watches me as I stand there, uncertain what to do with my hands. “Guest room is down the hall, second door on the left. There's an en-suite.”
“Thank you.”
“I can give you a tour later. When I'm less likely to collapse.” He sighs, leans back. His throat bobs when he swallows, and I want to press my lips to it.
I grab my duffel, rush down the hall. The guest room is gorgeous. King-sized bed, plush carpet, windows overlooking the city. The en-suite has a rainfall shower and a tub deep enough to swim in.
I'm here. In his home. For the next two weeks.
I take a breath. Then another.
On my way back to the living room, I pass an open door. I peek inside. A home office, sleek and minimal. A painting on the wall.Oh my god… he didn’t…
