She’s about to fall to the floor, but before she does, my arms reach out and catch her.
Now encased in my arms, I pick her up and sit us both on the floor.
Sasha shakes in my grasp, but I don’t let go.
Instead, I pull her closer to me until her head is in the crook of my neck. “It’s going to be okay. I’m not going to let anyone hurt you.”
“You weren’t lying.” She pulls her head back to look at me. “This whole time—” A sob escapes. “I thought…”
I cup her face in my hands and press my forehead against hers. “Unfortunately, I wasn’t. Trust me, if it were safe, I wouldn’t keep you here.”
The tears come faster now, and I hold her in my arms as she cries. Wet rivulets stream down her face as shudders rack her body with every sob.
She glances up, and her blue eyes lock on to mine. The sadness and fear in her stare are heartbreaking. I never knew I had a heart until I met this girl. “It’s going to be okay, firefly. We’ll get through this together. I’ll protect you. I won’t let anyone hurt you,” I whisper into her hair, and then I hold her.
In silence.
Until her breathing evens out.
And she’s calm.
I’ll keep my promise. I’ll keep her safe.
No matter what.
25
SASHA
Days have passedsince Gideon held me, he’s managed to stay clear of me since.
Which is kind of crazy to think about since we are still sleeping in the same room and bed. But somehow he’s been a ghost.
Marching through the house, I go in search of him. My fists clench and unclench at my side. I have so much pent-up energy that I need to find an outlet for. I’m bored, even though I have my cello now. I can’t stay locked in this house forever.
I need to get out.
You want to see him.
I’m annoyed by my internal thoughts. Ever since I cried in his arms, I haven’t been able to get him off my mind.
The way he held me. The feeling of our bodies pressed together.
And speaking of bodies, let’s not forget the massive hard-on he had the other day when he was sleeping.
Focus, Sasha.No thinking about his dick. You’re on a mission.
Luckily, it doesn’t take me too long to find him.He’s in his office.
Surprise. Surprise.
My footsteps announce my arrival. As I cross over the threshold, he looks up from his desk.
“Sasha.”
Heat sweeps across my cheeks as I take him in.What is wrong with me?I shouldn’t have such a visceral reaction to this man.All he’s said is my name, but I’m already hot and bothered.
It’s his voice. Smooth like honey. Decadent like chocolate.