“You saved me,” she whispered.
He moved some hair off her forehead.“I told you I’d come.”
“Thank you.”
“Do you know who attacked you?”
“Yes,” she replied.“His name is Steven.Works for the same company I do.”
“Why did he try to hurt you?”
She glanced away, and he missed her gaze on him.“I think because his girlfriend hates me.They both cornered and threatened me at my locker but I managed to beat him with a broom handle.”Pausing, it took her a moment to gather her composure.“I think he was going to kill me.”
“I know.”
She looked around, as if just noticing they were in a car.“Where are we going?”
“To my condo.I’ve called a doctor to meet us there so he can look you over.”
“Oh, that’s nice, but I don’t need a doctor, and I don’t really know you.I don’t feel comfortable going to your home.”
“I’m only concerned he damaged your throat.”He didn’t know why, but for some reason, her opinion mattered.“Please, you’re safe with me.”
She stared at him, as if searching for something.
“You know, I’ve been told multiple times that you’re a dangerous man.”
“Iama dangerous man,” he confirmed.“In fact, as soon as I find that Steven fellow, I’m pretty sure I’m going to kill him for laying his hands on you.”
“Oh, I just found out he’s the man in the garage,” she told him quickly.“I thought the thing on the hand was a tattoo, but it was a cut.He had a bandage on it.”
“You sure?”
She nodded.“Positive.”
“All right,” he said.“Thank you for trusting me.”
Several long minutes later, she slowly relaxed as if she had come to a conviction.“I know you might be a dangerous man, but I’d rather be here with you than in any room with him.”
Hades hadn’t even been aware he’d been waiting on that verdict, but knowing she trusted him soothed something inside his chest.
“You told me not to go to the police, but I’ve felt so guilty for not reporting that woman’s death.”
“Why didn’t you when it first happened?”
“He said the cops wouldn’t do anything because he was a nice guy.”
Hades gave an internal groan.“I see.That’s why you panicked.”
“I was terrified,” she said softly.“You can’t imagine what it’s like watching a person die.”
He gave a mental wince.
“Or maybe you can.”She looked up and stared him right in the eyes.“And I vow I won’t say anything about you.I’ve just met you, but I get the impression you don’t lie when it’s important.”
“I won’t.”He cupped her face and ran this thumb over her bottom lip.“I’ve never promised that to anyone else.I won’t ever lie to you, Cora.”
“You don’t have to promise me anything, Hades.”
