The fury and fear lessen with each stroke of her tongue with mine as she gives me control. Her fingernails scrape along the back of my neck and into my hair at the same time her back arches, eliminating any space between us.
Without words, she’s telling me what I need to hear. Her body is communicating through actions. The beat of her heart matches mine, pulsing against my chest. The warmth of her body tangles around me, every inch unharmed and untouched. Red-hot energy races up and down my spine when she purrs slightly, the sound vibrating on my tongue. I vaguely forget where we are, clutching onto her until she tilts, sucking in air.
We stay locked together, our lips touching, breathless and panting. Her eyes flutter open, glowing in a way that confirms what she’s been saying.
She’s okay.
My chest seizes with the confirmation.
There’s a knock at the door followed by the rattling of the doorknob. “Mathis, are you done?” Kelly’s worried voice travels into the room.
“Yes, be there in a second,” I call back.
“I really want a shower.” Claire loosens her grip on my head.
“Then let’s get you to the shower.” I swing us around, carry her to the bathroom, and reluctantly set her on her feet. The instant she undrapes herself, the possessive beast returns.
“I’ll help you.” My fingers undo the clasp of her bra and slide it off. When my hands move to her hips, she stops me.
“Sweetie, go to them.”
“I’m not leaving you.”
“Didn’t you say there is an armed guard? And won’t you be on the other side of the door?”
I nod.
“Then go talk to them. Tell them what they need to know.” I read her loud and clear, knowing exactly what she’s asking. It’s up to me to assure everyone she’s okay and ease their fears before they smother her.
The last thing I want to do it leave her, but this is what she needs from me right now. “If you need me, I’m not far.” I kiss her softly.
Claire was right; when I step into the hallway, everyone is gathered around the door, waiting anxiously. The air is thick with tension, and I feel it seeping back into my bones.
“She’s absolutely fine.” I proceed to tell them what she relayed, fielding questions, and watching confusion on their faces when I explain her guilt.
“I’m going to see her.” Kelly tries unsuccessfully to barge by, obviously done with me shielding her from Claire.
“I think all the girls should go in, but I ask that you refrain from the dramatics. Don’t bombard her with tears and questions. Claire needs normalcy right now.”
“I know what my daughter needs!” She scoffs, her face flaming red.
“I don’t doubt that Kelly, but Claire bonded with Carlos. She’s fighting a sense of guilt we can’t understand.”
Mitch steps in, whispering in her ear, but keeps his eyes on mine. Her body deflates and she nods, giving in.
My gaze goes to Bizzy, who’s grinning approvingly. “You have all of ten minutes before I’m back in there. Her bags are on the chair. If you need me, I’ll be here.”
I step aside, and in a rush, six women fly past. One of them squeezes my forearm gently, which I suspect is my mom.
“Dr. Bennett, we need to talk.” Detective Flores flips through a notebook. “Stefano Martinez has vaporized without a trace. Our team is scouring his home right now with no clue where he’s gone. But he left something for you on his desk.”
He hands over an envelope with my name scribbled on the front and the flap sealed. “You didn’t open it?”
He shakes his head.
I tear it open, my nerves shooting back into overdrive. I make a silent vow to get Claire home and lock us away until I’m no longer at risk for a stroke. My heart may never recover from the last week.
Mathis,