“Yeah, but?—”
“Sir?” The receptionist is standing a few feet away. “This way, please?”
“Trust me, pixie.” He drops a kiss on my head.
“Okay.” I nod, and he follows the lady through a door.
I sit and wait, hoping that everything will be okay. I trust Brendan, but still, I wish I wasn’t alone. Sighing at how pathetic I’ve become, I wrap my arms around my knees and pull my hoodie down over them so I’m in a ball.
It feels better, but not great.
“Are you cold?” a gruff voice asks.
I startle to a sitting position and look up at the man who spoke. I am not prepared for what I see.
There’s a gorgeous silver fox with ice-blue eyes and the kind of barrel chest I just want to bury my face in. With arms like that, he could keep me safe and warm for days. He clears his throat, and I remember he asked me a question.
I shake my head no, and then realize that saying I’m scared is the worse answer, so I nod my head in agreement.
“Judy,” he calls, and she jumps to attention.
“Yes, sir?”
The big man crouches down in front of me and looks into my eyes, his icy gaze holding me in place. It’s a lot, but I kinda like it.
“Will you bring our guest some hot chocolate?”
“Right away, sir.” And she’s already running out of the room.
“Do you need a blanket or a sweater?”
The idea of wearing something of his is oddly comforting, but I shake my head and look at the floor.
“It’s okay, you don’t need to be afraid, rabbit.” His voice is soft and soothing, so I look up again. His eyes look warmer, softer somehow.
“It’s hard,” I whisper and sink further into myself, hoping he’ll just leave me alone. Even if I don’t really want him to go.
When his large hand brushes the tear off my cheek, I barely flinch.
“You seem brave to me.”
I shake my head violently, dislodging his hand. “I’m not.”
“You might not know it, but I’m the boss around here.” His voice is light, almost teasing. “So if I say you’re brave, then you are.”
“I wish it was that easy.”
He gives me a half smirk. “What’s your name, rabbit?”
“Rory,” I whisper.
“Such a pretty name. I’m Lex.”
“Nice to meet you, sir.”
“And what are you doing here today?” he asks softly.
“My brother has a meeting. He didn’t tell me what about.”
