Page 12 of Saved By the Billionaire

“But you need to know.”

“I’d like to know,” she said, in a manner that comes easily to a person who’s used to disappointment. Cautious, judicious expectations rather than unfettered hope. “But I can’t stay here indefinitely. I used all my savings to book a flight and rent a place in LA. I didn’t think it would take this long.”

Money was no object for Roman Hayes. He could give her a fortune and not even notice a difference in his lifestyle, but he knew Kate wouldn’t take it. She was fiercely independent—life had done that to her.

A knock sounded at the door and Roman stood, striding across his apartment while processing what he’d just learned about Kate, and how he might help her. Because it was no longer a question of ‘if’.

Grace’s death eight years earlier had sent shockwaves through his life, and always would. Kate was one of them. Or rather, how he felt about her, his need to protect her.

He pulled open the door and Garrett stood on the other side. “Mr Hayes,” he said. “How’s the patient this morning?”

“See for yourself,” Roman said, opening the door wider. Kate sat, the sun streaming through the windows backlighting her so she looked as though a halo of gold surrounded her.

“Good morning.” She sounded self-conscious and shy. Nervous.

“Kate,” Garrett said, moving over to her. “How did you sleep?”

“Like a log. It should be illegal for a bed to be that comfortable.”

Roman didn’t want to think what the bed at her hostel was like.

“How’s the head?”

“Sore, but in a bruised way, not a brain damage way.”

Garrett grinned at the description. “And the ankle?”

She grimaced. “Not great. Roman’s been acting as my sherpa, carrying me around everywhere.”

Garrett flicked a glance in his direction and Roman stood completely still, not betraying a hint of emotion in his features nor with his body language.

“An x-ray would be the best course of action.”

She looked up at Roman, expression showing concern. “I really can’t.”

“We can organise it, off the books.”

She blanched. “No. It would cost a fortune.”

Roman compressed his lips and ignored Kate’s protest. “Can you take care of that, Garrett?”

“Of course. Give me a moment.” Garrett was already pulling his phone from his pocket and leaving the room, so he could speak in privacy.

“I can’t afford this.”

“What will you have for breakfast?”

“I’m not hungry. Don’t change the subject.”

“I’m bored of arguing with you.”

She gaped, and he was glad. He liked it when they argued, in truth, because she went from vulnerable to hellfire and he much preferred the latter.

“So you’d rather just…dictate things to me?”

“Yes.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “Eggs or fruit?”

Indignation showed on her features. “No, thank you.”