by T. G. Ayer
Then I wanted to laugh at my naivete. Of course, this man would have an agenda.
I could see that I wasn't going to get my way so I merely nodded, thinking a bath would soothe my pain a little.
Yuri entered the room, sans Anthony and I felt oddly relieved. Nikolai clicked his fingers and the man hurried forward. "Take our guest up to her room. See that the kitchen gets her whatever she needs. And get the doctor in to see to her ankle. I am concerned it may be broken." Yuri nodded and then faced me.
I was getting used to Yuri being my method of transport and automatically wrapped my arm around his shoulder as he leaned down to me. He carried me, striding out of the room and up the grand curving staircase. He cleared his throat a few times and then I tilted my head to him and said, "What is it Yuri? You know you can talk to me."
He cleared his throat again. "I am very sorry this has happened to you. I know many bad men but not many who would do this to a sister."
I snorted. "Anthony would have sold my mother into prostitution if it had helped his cause. And as I said the words I realized I was right.
"Even so, I am sorry. I promise he will not bother you."
"What will happen to him?"
Yuri is silent for so long that I began to wonder if he'd forgotten what he was saying. Then he sniffed. "Nikolai will make him work to pay his debt."
"Does he have much to pay?"
Yuri tried to shrug but since he was carrying me, the movement was an odd shoulder bob. "I think it is eight fifty."
I stared at him, incredulous. "All this fuss and nonsense for eight hundred and fifty dollars?" I asked, already half laughing.
Yuri grunted. "Not eight hundred and fifty dollars. Eight hundred and fifty thousand dollars."
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
Thane
The cab ride over is silent because I don't trust myself anymore. It seems the more time I spend with Gray the hotter she becomes. I'd almost died when she'd pressed against me in the elevator. Her body is definitely hotter than legal and the touch of her flesh against mine did innumerable, unmentionable things to my body.
Shit. Control yourself Thane.
She'd remained silent in the cab too and I figured she felt obligated to help me out because she'd caused the injury. Damn Wade for not giving me a choice but to comply. In the end I had to admit that staying with her and pretending to be weaker than I really am is for the best. At least this way I'll be near enough to keep a better eye on her, to ensure Boris doesn't get close again.
In the end it is all about her protection.
At her apartment door, I wait as she shoves her keys into her lock then clicks her tongue, irritated they don't seem to be working.
"Have you been evicted?" I ask trying to keep things light. But it only seems to make things worse as she turns on me, a shocked look in her face. Then the shock evaporates and she grins.
"Stay right there, I'll be right back." Then she's skipping down the stairs, to knock on the door of 1A. It opens and she has a few words with what sounds like an old man. Probably Marcus Wright, the owner of the building.
Gray returns with a new set of keys and happily opens the door, holding it while I walk inside. The landlord must have changed the locks but I feel a little sorry for Gray and her happiness. She has little idea of the reality of having Boris on her tail. No lock can hold him. Not only is he an expert marksman, he also happens to be an expert burglar. Boris is well known for his break-in kills and for those he charges extra.
One reason why I am so worried about Gray's safety.
She waits for me to enter, then shuts and locks the door behind me. There's a deadbolt which she locks and then she's beckoning me into the apartment, leading me to the spare room.
It turns out to be an art studio, complete with an easel and blank sheet of paper, ready for the mark of a pencil.
"Sorry. I didn't think about making up the bed." She seems flustered and I don't blame her.
"That's fine, I can manage."
"Not a chance. I can't have you dusting sheets and breaking your stitches open." She huffs and stalks to the closet, pulls a clean sheet and pillowcase from the top shelf then proceeds to make the bed while I stand there like a loon.
I feel bad for her but I can't let on that I'm stronger than she thinks, so I watch while she works and I stand around doing nothing.
At last, she dusts her hands and steps back. I drop my bag on the floor beside the bed and meet her eyes. She looks away, a little shy then heads for the door. "You can watch some TV while I make us something to eat," she calls, already halfway down the hall. I follow her in to the kitchen only to see her stand still and peer at the fridge door. A bright pink post it note says "dinner in the fridge."
She's grinning and shaking her head as she opens the fridge and pulls out a casserole dish of what looks like Shepherd's Pie.
"You have a magic fridge?" I ask, slipping onto one of the kitchen stools.
"I wish," she says. "But I have the next best thing, an amazing neighbor who cooks and bakes like a dream. The way she keeps feeding me I swear I'll get fat."
I watch Gray, scanning her curves slowly and I can't help thinking that even with a few more pounds on her frame she'd still be drop dead hot. When my gaze stops at her chest I tug myself out of my thoughts to see Gray peeling back cling-film and opening a cupboard in search of plates.
It doesn't take long before we are both on the sofa watching the news and eating hot mince, mash and gooey cheese.
When we start in on our second helpings, the opening credits of the movie Ghost begins to play. I groan and Gray turns on me, her expression hurt.
"Don't tell me you don't like this movie."
"It's a chick-flick. What's to like?" I know I sound unimpressed but I can't help it.
She makes a disgusted noise in her throat then narrows her eyes at me. "Why? Think you're too macho for a chick flick?"
"It's totally not that. I'm just an action kinda guy. Can't help how I was made."
She snorts and I think it's just too cute. She's wriggling in the sofa beside me and all I want is to put an arm around her waist and pull her close to me. I stiffen my muscles and feel the pain spiking through my wound.
Good.
"Well, my TV so I say what plays." She smirks then turns the volume up before taking a mouthful of shepherd's pie.
"Geez. I didn't figure you to be so bossy," I say with a fake pout. Gray just grins.
She finishes her meal and sets her plate on the coffee table beside mine. Then she sits back smiling at the screen. I'm watching her instead of the movie and she doesn't even know it.
She falls asleep halfway through the movie.
CHAPTER THIRTY
Gray
When my eyes open I'm on the sofa and it's the dead of night. The only sounds I hear are the ticking of the kitchen clock and the steady thump of a heartbeat in my ear. I stiffen as it slowly filters through to my foggy brain where I am.
I'd fallen asleep on Thane and now I'm lying beside him with my head on his chest. Somehow the sofa has accommodated the both of us.
I lift my head and study his profile. And suddenly, I'm filled with a longing that's overpowering. My lips ache to be touched by his and I know deep down I'm being incredibly stupid. Thane is here to be taken care of, not to be taken advantage of.
I lie there a moment, my cheek pressed to the warmth of his broad chest. And I enjoy the closeness, however fake it is. Then I force myself to lift my head and move away from Thane.
My movements awaken him and he smiles. "Sorry. I fell asleep on you." My voice is scratchy with sleep.
"I didn't mind. You've had a pretty long day."
I'm nodding as I dust my wrinkled shirt and push myself up to stand on quivering legs. I grab the empty bowls from the coffee table and take them to the sink where I busy myself filling them with water to soak. I can feel Thane rising and walking behind me.
"Is there something I can do to help?"
I shake my head, my cheeks still hot. "You can go ahead and shower if you like."
He moves silently, like a panther, and then he's gone, the bathroom door closing with a soft click. I lean against the counter and rest my head in my hands.
What the hell did I get myself into?
Having him in my apartment is a very bad idea. I'm busy berating myself under my breath, while washing the bowls, when the bathroom door opens again and I hear Thane call my name.
After drying my hands, I hurry over to find the door open a smidge, and a very naked, very wet Thane standing almost hidden behind the door. Almost hidden.
"Er, I need a towel," he asks sheepishly. "I suppose I should have checked before getting into the shower."
I swallow hard and nod before hurrying off to my room, the image of his shoulders covered in droplets of water, of his chest wet and glistening. Of his bare hipbone and the water that had run down the bare expanse of skin as I watched.
My mouth is dry and I'm sure I feel a little faint as I grab one of Kate's towels and head back to the bathroom. He's still standing there, wet, and now covered with goosebumps and all I can do is stare as I hand the towel over.
I barely hear his thanks and I'm still standing there after he closes the door. What the hell is wrong with me?
I grit my teeth and head to my room to pull on shorts and a tee, and get ready for bed. I double-check the window and am happy it's closed tightly.
Then I smile to myself.
The person who used that entrance last has no need of it.
He's in my bathroom.
Naked.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
Gray
I'm about to climb under the covers when I hear Thane calling my name.
Now, what?
I hurry to the bathroom and stare at the door, arms folded. I'm annoyed with myself because I am annoyed with Thane. Can he not do anything by himself?
I knock lightly on the door. "Thane?"
The door opens and this time Thane is dressed. Well, more dressed than the last time he'd called me to the bathroom.
He's wearing his jeans but his chest is bare. And my mouth is dry.
I have to force myself to listen as he speaks. "I need help," he says, his green eyes dark as he watches me closely. Something about him seems a little off, as if he is uncomfortable.
"Sure." I force a neutral smile on my face. "What do you need?" I ask, then blush immediately. That question has connotations I'd prefer to stay far away from so I shut my mouth and wait for his response.
He clears his throat and points at his bandage. It's ruined after his shower. Seems he forgot to cover it with something and now it's soaking wet and peeling off. "I have some bandages and stuff the nurse gave me back at the hospital."
I nod and step aside as Thane walks past me and heads into the spare room. He's back within seconds holding a couple of special bandages, the ones that stick on and are hell to take off. At least Thane won't have a problem removing it later considering his shoulder is smooth and hairless.
I swallow hard and beckon him toward the dining room table. He follows silently, his bare feet making no sound on the wood floor. I feel as if this is all a strange dream, and that I will wake up soon and Thane will be gone and I'm not so sure I like the possibility.
Thane sits and rests against the chair back. He is sitting beside the table and I move to his back and take stock of the damage. Most of the plaster has peeled back and I lean closer, placing my palm on his back to keep his skin taut as I pull the bandage off.
His skin is hot beneath my hand and my breath catches in my throat. Heat pools in the pit of my stomach. I curse my traitorous body for its reaction to Thane. My hands still as I try to control my heart rate and I grit my teeth and swear silently. I grab the bottle of disinfectant and tip some onto a cotton swap. While tending the wound, I try hard not to look at the damaged skin on his shoulder.
The raw red flesh makes my heart ache. I had inflicted this damage to Thane's body. My hands are shaking when I'm finally done, and I step away
I suck in a deep breath and walk around Thane. "That's done." I dust my hands and eye the bandages on his right shoulder. I'm standing so close to him that my leg rests against his thigh. The heat from his body seeps through into my bones, setting fire to my blood.
Not good.
Thane says nothing as I place my hand on his chest and take hold of the unstuck edge of the bandage. His heart thunders beneath my palm and I wonder if this is a good idea. Being this close to Thane's naked chest is dangerous.
His muscles tense as I tug the bandage off and throw it on the table. I keep my eyes away from his face as I lean across him to grab hold of the bottle of disinfectant.
It slips from my fingers. I lunge for it, forgetting that I'm reaching over Thane's lap. All I'm thinking is that I'd left the cap off the bottle and the damn thing will spill.
Too late.
The bottle falls and dribbles sharp, pungent liquid all over the dark mahogany table.
And I find myself falling into Thane's lap.
He grabs me around the waist and pulls me closer. To prevent me from rolling off him, I'm sure. And I end up sitting on his lap, my hands clutching his bare arms tightly.
We are too close, our skin barely an inch apart. The expanse of Thane's bare chest sends heat surging through my body. My breath catches as Thane's gaze drops to my lips.
All he has to do is move the tiniest bit closer.
Neither of us moves away. We're locked in this position, so close and yet neither one of us moves to get closer either.
I clear my throat, then grab onto the edge of the table to boost myself off Thanes lap. Our proximity is still unsettling as I attend to his dressing. My face is hot and I keep my eyes on the bandage as I work. Thane sits barely moving as I finish sticking the plaster in place.
My hands are shaking as I step away. "You're all done." My words are a shaky whisper as I hurry to the kitchen for paper towels to clean the spill. I hope the disinfectant won't leave a mark on the wood. When I return Thane is gone and thankfully when I wipe it clean the wood seems to have survived.
I head to my room, feeling a little off balance. My heart still thunders against my ribs and there is an uncomfortable ache in the pit of my stomach. One I know will not go away, even after a good night's sleep. I climb under the covers and wait for sleep to arrive.
The floorboards creak as Thane leaves the bathroom and heads to the spare room and I sigh, my body taut with tension. The only thing that will relax me now is sketching, and even the thought of seeing Thane doesn't quell the urge. I throw the covers off and head to the spare room to fetch my sketch pad and pencils.
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
Thane
I'm not blind. I can see how the sight of my partially exposed body affects Gray and I'm not sure how I feel about it. A part of me is elated that the attraction is mutual but another part of me is desperate to ensure nothing happens. Would she ever forgive me if she finds out I'm here in her apartment to keep an eye on her and to extract information from her?
But despite how I feel my stomach is still a knot of emotion. Nervous expectation, desire, need. All of the things I don't deserve when it comes to Gray.
I head to my room and dress in sweats and a loose tee. Walking around without clothes seems like a bad idea right now. I'm rubbing a towel through my wet hair when my gaze lands on the white paper again. I'm tugged forward by some indefinable force and my fingers are reaching for the sketch pad before I'm even aware of what I'm doing.
I flip the paper back and a page falls over to reveal a pencil drawing.
Of me.
And of Gray.
In the sketch I'm bare-chested, my head is bent and my lips are placed on the curve of a womans neck. A woman with long black hair thrown aside by an invisible wind to reveal the slim curve of her neck, the elegant lines of her bare shoulders.
The sketch is sensual and seems filled with lo
nging. And I'm rooted to the spot.
I'm still standing there when I hear footsteps hurrying toward my room. I don't have time to move so I remain where I am until Gray's slim form fills the doorway.
Her eyes flit from the sketch to me and embarrassment fills her face. She turns and flees and I find I'm following her right into her room.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THREE
Gray
Shit shit shit, he's seen the damned sketch. I spin on my heel and flee to my room, all the while cursing myself for forgetting to remove it before Thane occupied the room.
I look up as I hear a sound at my door. Thane is standing there, a look of concern shadowing his face. "Are you alright?" he asks and I want to laugh and say 'Heck no'. But instead, I nod and try to school my features so he won't see my embarrassment.
He comes to sit beside me and all I can think is that's a very bad idea. I want him to go back to his room because the longer he stays with me, the more vulnerable I feel. But I take a quick breath and say, "Look, I'm fine okay. It's just a stupid sketch." I keep my voice calm, even, controlled. But I'm none of those things right now.
He clears his throat and bends his head to look at my face. "It's actually a beautiful sketch. You're very talented."
"I get it from my Mom." The words are out before I even realize it and I glance at Thane to see a soft smile at his lips. I clear my throat. "I think its time for bed." Then I stiffen in horror as what I've just said sinks in. There is amusement in his eyes but he doesn't look like he's about to take advantage of my inadvertent offer.
