There appears to be extra he needs to say, and I wait patiently for him to talk. “I needed to thank you-”

“I ought to be thanking you,” I say, slicing him off.

“For standing up for me, for cornering my father so he could not retaliate, for the whole lot,” he says.

I fear he does not perceive what I imply. “You would not have completed any of that if not for me, for my messy scenario with Sterling.” The entire downside began with me and almost ended with Clifton in bother.

I can nonetheless see safety escorting him out, their stern faces and harsh garb a distinction to the polished marble of the foyer.

“You haven’t any concept how a lot it means to me that Anton needed to publicly thank me.” He chuckles, the sound wealthy and darkish like my favourite espresso. This man has woven himself into the material of my life, and now that I’m secretly falling for him, I’m making an attempt to not let my emotions unravel the whole lot.

His gaze lingers on me, concern etching traces into his brow. “Are you okay?” He appears nearly afraid to ask, probably anxious he’ll upset me extra if I’m, certainly, upset.

I nod, unable to offer voice to my issues.

He inhales as if to say one thing else, however he hesitates. His eyebrows sew collectively as he speaks, giving me the impression he modified his thoughts about what he was going to say proper earlier than talking. “Emma, do you want a journey residence?” He says the phrases in a low conspiratorial tone, his phrases a mushy thread within the chaos of my ideas.

Anton seems at our facet and I notice the assembly has dissipated, with individuals fracturing off and making their method to their respective areas or towards the elevator to depart. There’s one thing so sharp and figuring out in Anton’s eyes. The person constructed an empire, however he can topple these he needs to cross the torch to. I can’t assist however surprise if he has some inkling of my emotions for Clifton. Emotions I believe Clifton reciprocates.

“Clifton can take you residence,” Anton says, his tone deceptively light. “Or I can organize for safety to accompany you. No matter makes you are feeling secure.”

These phrases are loaded, however after my previous with a person who knew the best way to twist the whole lot to harm me, I understand how to speak to disarm these sorts of statements.

“Thanks each,” I say, my voice a fragile whisper. Glancing at Clifton, I proceed. “However I believe I dwell someplace between right here and your penthouse.”

I do know he sees my try and thwart Anton’s plan – no matter it could be – and a slight smile toys with the corners of his lips. I believe he secretly loves that we’re plotting towards his father, even with out planning to take action.

I want I might discover a method to really feel really secure. I’ve a sense that Sterling isn’t going to take this defeat with out some sort of struggle. However he gained’t struggle Clifton, who might beat him, he’d probably deliver his fists to my place simply so he might win.

I look at Clifton, anxious he can learn my ideas in my eyes and spot the dedication settling into his options. My consideration shifts to Anton, who’s trying from me to his son, clearly suspecting one thing. I can’t think about he’d be okay with Clifton and me discovering any sort of pleasure in each other.

“It’s no downside in any respect,” Clifton says, his voice soothing the uncooked edges of my nerves. “Let’s get you residence.”

With that, he takes my arm and leads me to the elevator. As soon as contained in the steel field, I calm down sufficient to take a deep breath. I do know we’re not within the clear but, however we’re getting nearer each second that goes by. I’m certain Anton suspects one thing, and we’ve to watch out across the cameras inside and outdoors the agency.

Once we step out into the night time, my ears catch the regular hum of town’s pulse. Vehicles, canine barking, horns honking, and tires squealing. Clifton leads me to his automotive and I get in.

The cool, darkish leather-based seats cradle my physique and as he turns over the engine, I steal a look at him. My gaze traces the robust line of his jaw, and I discover the best way his arms grip the steering wheel. One thing in regards to the small particulars attracts me in and leaves me feeling heat, secure, and cozy.

I’m not the sort of individual to get in anybody’s automobile until I actually belief them. However I’ve no concern with Clifton.

“You appear quiet,” he says, glancing over at me.

I elevate each shoulders. “Simply processing right this moment.” The day had gone sort of sideways, and I really feel off-kilter and loopy, like I’m caught in a carnival journey with no method off.

A lot of the drive passes in silence, and when he pulls up in entrance of my place, I see a light-weight on in my bed room. A room I by no means go away the sunshine on. I maintain my kitchen, eating room, and residing area lights on for nights I come residence after darkish, however by no means my bed room.

Panic twists up my insides and I make an audible squeak of concern. Clifton glances at my condo, his jaw clenching. “Does Sterling have a key?” His low, protecting voice soothes the rising terror in me.

I shake my head. “No,” My breath catches in my throat. “However he is aware of the place I maintain the spare in case.”

Clifton steps out of his automotive, making his method to my facet. He pulls me to my toes, his consideration on my home windows as if he’ll spot somebody the place the sunshine casts shadows. We make our method to my ground, then cease earlier than my door. I examine for the spare key, nevertheless it’s gone, which solely leaves me extra involved.

“You may keep at my place when you want,” he presents, however I must know if Sterling is in my residence.

I unlock the door and push inside, loving how my condo blooms with life. The scent of flowers tickles my nostril and I inhale, feeling so very at residence. Their candy perfume clashes with Clifton’s very male cologne as he stands earlier than me like a defend, however I like the combo.

We stroll inside and I discover Clifton scanning the bouquets of contemporary flowers scattered across the place. I discover a lot pleasure within the magnificence and scent of flowers, their blooms deliver me hope for higher, for pleasure.

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