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Chapter Ten

Cohen

“Which room?” I ask, even though I know exactly where it is. I don’t want to further alarm her.

“Second floor. First door to the right.” She clings to me, and damn if it doesn’t feel good to have her arms wound tightly around my neck...while she’s conscious.

I set her down carefully at the door, and she fishes out her key to unlock it.

We stand at the threshold, and I’m uncertain of what to do. I hate to leave her alone, but I don’t want to be so forward as to push myself into her room and make her even more uncomfortable. I just need to know she’s okay.

I don’t know what it is, but there’s something about this woman that makes me give a damn like I never have before.

“Thank you,” she whispers.

“Are you okay?” I ask.

“I think so,” she replies quietly, still visibly shaken.

“Are you here with anyone? Is there someone I should call?” I ask, knowing there’s not.

“No, it’s fine.”

“A family member? Associate?” I cringe, knowing she really has only her two best friends and a sister who has been missing for years.

“No, really, it’s fine,” she sighs.

“That arsehole should pay for what he tried to do. You need to tell his dad.” I step back to go, still on edge from not being able to finish the job.

“It’s not worth it.” She drops her gaze to the ground. “I just closed a major deal with Walter and I don’t need the bad press or the bad blood with his son.”

I know exactly what she’s talking about, so I bite my tongue.

“And I didn’t close the deal the way you’re probably thinking.”

I take her chin in my hand. “Shhh, Scarlett, I never thought that,” I try to reassure her, but she jerks her chin away.

“My reputation?” she challenges.

“Yes, for the boardroom, so don’t set about putting words in my bloody mouth, lady.” I try to take the bite out of my tone, annoyed she would think I would believe all that.

“Well, I’m used to it. It happens more than I care to admit.” She turns away and attempts to walk into the room before wincing.

“What is it? Are you okay?” I rush to her, putting my hands on her perfect hips to steady her.

“It’s just my ankle,” she replies, and I search her face to find her watching me with an odd look. I’m honestly a little shaken by how calm she is.

“Okay, let’s get you off that foot and have a look.” I lift her back into my arms with ease, close the door with my foot, and carry her into the toilet. Sitting her on the marble counter, my arm skims her chest by accident as I reach past her, fumbling for the light. The quick exhale of her breath against my cheek lets me know she felt it too.

My eyes take a minute adjusting to the light from the antique bulb above us, bathing us in its harsh glow. After blinking a couple times, I follow her gaze to where my palms are flattened on the counter, on either side of her hips. My hands are splattered with blood.

“Are you hurt?” She lifts her sad gaze to mine.

“Please, love. Give me a little credit. The only thing hurt would be my pride if you think a little shit like him could get one in on me.” I attempt to lighten the mood with a bit of arrogance as I drop to my knees on the cold tile in front of her.

“Is that so?” She smiles, and looking up at her, I lose my breath. At this angle, with her white blonde hair illuminated in the light and that glorious smile, it’s like looking up at an angel. I wish it were that simple. I wish she could be my salvation. Lord knows I could get lost in her. Nearly have already and we’re still strangers. Well, I’m a stranger to her.

“All his,” I assure her, lifting my palms up for inspection.