Alessia grabbed his shirt, holding on as she wobbled. “Sanderson’s Chicken Palace? That’s ten miles from my home. Did I pass out? You couldn’t have movedthatfast.”
She studied his face when he didn’t answer. “How is that possible? No one can scale walls and leap over things like that.What are you?” Before he could respond, her gaze landed on his torso. “Oh, no! There’s blood on your shirt. Did you get hurt?”
Her hands stroked over his chest and arms, checking for injuries. Her concern went straight to his heart. When she found the blood spatter on his fingers, she demanded, “Are you okay?”
“Just a few scrapes, Alessia. I’m fine now.” He held his hands out to show her. “Your brother had a nasty surprise on the top of the wall.”
“You cut yourself on the glass?” She grabbed his arm and ran her fingers over his healed skin. “You should need stitches, Titus.”
“I avoided most of the glass. Only minor scrapes,” he lied. “Let’s get into the car, Alessia. We don’t want to attract any attention.”
She didn’t ask any further questions but allowed him to help her into the passenger seat of the car. When he slid behind the steering wheel, she grabbed his wrist and pulled his palm toward her.
“But the scrapes are gone too. What’s going on here, Titus?”
“Let’s get out of here first. I’ll answer any worries you have.”
“Promise?” she asked.
“Yes, Alessia. You have my word.”
She nodded, and he started the car. Pulling into the light, late-night traffic, Titus headed for his house. Most of the clan lived in one large neighborhood, though not all the houses in a row. Neighbors would detect a clump of homes where the lights were on at weird times or some other out-of-the-norm pattern. Scattered, no one was likely to notice any differences.
He turned into his driveway and triggered the metal gate toopen. Alessia leaned forward to stare at the massive barrier. Titus could almost hear her mind whirring as she debated whether or not she’d be trapped inside. “My code is fourteen thirty-seven. File that in your brain so you don’t forget.”
Quickly, she repeated those numbers. Alessia looked back at him and asked, “Does that number mean something to you?”
His mate was perceptive. “Yes. Let’s get inside, and I’ll answer all your questions.”
Alessia nodded as he pulled up to the front steps of a home as regal as Enzo’s mansion. Titus noticed her side-eyeing him and guessed she wondered how he afforded this on a bartender’s salary. The questions he would have to answer were piling up.
He parked at the bottom of the stairs leading to the front door. Wrapping his hand around her thigh, Titus stopped her from bailing out.
When she gasped and jerked away, he quickly lifted his hand. “Sorry, Alessia. I didn’t mean to spook you.”
“No. I’m sorry. That reminded me of something else. I’m okay.”
Titus guessed there was more to that story. The sharp inhale had indicated pain. Had someone hurt her after they parted? He forced the flash of anger away, not wishing to frighten her. Alessia had gone through enough. He chose not to question her but said, “Wait. I’ll open your door.”
When she nodded, he slid out of the vehicle. As he circled the hood of the car, Titus held her gaze. After opening the passenger door, Titus offered a hand for hers and helped her stand. “Welcome home, Little mate.”
His butler, Gio, strolled out, immaculate as always. Unbothered by their arrival, he greeted them warmly. “Good morning, sir. I see that we have a guest. Welcome.”
“Thank you,” Alessia said softly.
Waves of nervousness and uncertainty streamed toward Titus from his mate. He wrapped his arm around her waist and kept her close to his side to reassure her that all was well. Her body hummed with uncertainty.
“Great news, Gio. This is my mate, Alessia Costa. She will stay with me.”
“Your mate, sir.” Gio appeared shocked but recovered quickly. “My congratulations, sir. Miss. Welcome home.”
Alessia stiffened slightly next to him. Gio’s welcome had surprised her. Smoothly, Titus spoke into the lull in the conversation.
“Thank you, Gio. Could you have the car taken to the garage and light refreshments brought to the gathering room?”
“Right away, sir.”
“Come, Alessia. Let me show you around.” Titus escorted her up the stairs and into the large vestibule. The horseshoe staircase led to the upper floors with suites for guests. She would stay with him in the primary residence on this floor. “Here is the room I spend most of my time.”
