“Let’s reserve it for a much less emotionally charged day, okay?” he says gently. “Would you want me to drive you house?”

And as soon as once more, I really feel nothing however respect for this man. He may have taken me house and did something he needed, however as a substitute he is extra involved about my well-being, security, and mind-set. He’s not prepared to benefit from me, and I really like that about him.

Chapter Twenty-three

Clifton

I can not imagine that jerk Sterling had the nerve to point out up or the balls to harass Emma – he was instructed to not come again, does he actually suppose he’s okay to slink across the parking storage?

Not that I feel it issues. The man’s a stalker; he thinks the legal guidelines don’t apply to him, and I fear that his conduct is barely going to escalate. I am afraid for the protection of the lady I’ve come to deeply look after.

It is not like she may be extra clear about being performed with him, however he cannot – or will not – take no for a solution.

I hope I did not step on her toes by popping out and diffusing the scenario. I’ve little question that she will deal with herself, I am simply frightened about what he would possibly do. The person was standing between her and her automobile, little question in an effort to chop her off from escaping him till he mentioned his half.

“He will inform everybody.” She sounds terrified and upset, however I can not assist however marvel if it might be so unhealthy if the world knew about us. I’m frightened that my father could be disenchanted, or that he’ll have to fireside one in all us to make an instance, however I’d gladly put my neck on the chopping block to cease having to cover what I really feel for her within the shadows.

However issues are extra difficult with my father within the hospital – he’s not right here to take disciplinary motion, and whereas I’m main the agency, I fear about breaking guidelines. My father wants me to run issues in his absence, I don’t wish to let him down, even when it prices me happiness. However I do not like that it prices Emma happiness, peace of thoughts, or offers Sterling one thing to threaten her with.

I want I may make her perceive that nobody’s going to imagine him; he has no proof, he made a idiot of himself in our workplace, and I meant it once I mentioned everybody will suppose he’s attempting to get even or save face due to that fiasco.

The man is simply determined and pathetic, and I want he’d stroll out of Emma’s life for good. She’s nonetheless clinging to me, trembling in my arms and respiration too quick. I can nonetheless hear her voice asking me to return house together with her. However I additionally know that I would not be ok with that. She is in an emotionally susceptible place – understandably so – and I do not wish to benefit from her. That will make me no higher than Sterling.

However being decided to do the suitable factor would not change her saying these phrases that made my coronary heart skip a beat. I needed to say sure. I needed to take her in my arms and kiss her deeply till we had been each tipsy with need. I needed to make her neglect about Sterling and every part else that had her wired. I needed to point out her how a lot I cared for her.

And I feel I had… by not profiting from her.

Now, as she clings to me, determined for consolation, I’m so very conscious of the cameras watching us. If Sterling did spill our secret, then these movies can be incriminating, and add validity to his claims.

The cameras had been in every single place, watching our each transfer, and if I held her shut or kissed her, somebody would possibly discover. Folks would possibly speak. They may uncover our secret.

I did not wish to danger it. I did not wish to jeopardize our careers, our reputations, even our futures. However I did not wish to harm her or let her ache with out providing some heat and security when she wants it most. My father’s phrases ring in my ears. Life is just too quick to waste on regrets. I ought to comply with my coronary heart and be completely happy. I ought to discover love and maintain on tight.

He’s proper; life is just too quick. And what I really feel for Emma is deeper than something I’ve felt for a lady earlier than. Deeper than what I felt for my ex, even, who’d I’d forgotten about till this second. Emma had touched a spot deep inside me that I assumed can be sealed off from folks for good after the betrayal I’d suffered.

And I decide. I stand right here, patting her shoulder awkwardly, attempting to behave informal. Then I wrap my arms round her. I hug her tight, feeling her heat and her heartbeat whereas whispering in her ear that I’m sorry for what occurred and that I am glad she’s okay. I inform her that she’s robust and that Sterling can by no means tear her down or spoil her life. I additionally inform her that I am right here; right here to guard her, right here to face by her facet, right here to assist in any approach she wants me.

“Would you want me to drive you house?” I ask once more.

She nods her head whereas softly sniffling.

I draw back, taking her arm and main her towards my automobile. She will get in with a smile up at me, saying one thing about taking an UBER to work tomorrow, and I nod. After all, I can decide her up, however I wish to get out of this place earlier than we preserve speaking below the watchful eye of no matter safety guard is monitoring the cameras.

I stroll across the entrance of the automobile, opening the driving force facet door and dropping into the seat. Because the engine roars to life, I again up and head for the exit together with her by my facet. She stares out on the metropolis as I drive, misplaced in thought because the silence stretches out between us.

I look at her sometimes and see the concern and ache in her eyes. Sterling has put her via a lot and I want I may simply take all that stress, stress, and ache away. The person is a menace.

My ideas drift and I’m wondering if she actually needs me to return house together with her, or if she’s simply searching for consolation and distraction. I do not doubt she needs me there; it is the explanation why that worries me. I’d hate for this to be a call made on impulse within the warmth of the second that she would later come to remorse.

So I’ll maintain again, for now. However I meant it once I mentioned that we may get collectively on a much less emotionally charged day – as quickly as she’s prepared, I’m right here.

I determine to interrupt the silence. I wish to speak to her, to understand how she’s feeling, what she’s pondering and what she needs to do subsequent. I wish to ensure that she feels protected going house as a brand new thought dawns on me – does she need me to return house together with her as a result of she’s afraid Sterling goes to be there? As a result of if that is the explanation, I’ll really feel horrible for turning her down.

“Emma,” I say, glancing at her earlier than returning my consideration to the highway as soon as extra. “Are you okay?” Holding the steering wheel with one hand, I attain for her with the opposite. Her fingers are chilly and he or she wraps her arms round mine.

“I’m okay.” As she says the phrases, she gently squeezes my hand.

“I simply wish to verify in; is your motive for wanting me to return again with you since you’re afraid of Sterling? As a result of in case you are frightened about your security, I’ll gladly include you.” I look at her once more, attempting to gauge her ideas from her face. However she’s locked down tighter than a authorities workplace after 5.

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