I pad down the hallway, my steps slower than regular as a result of even with the ache meds on board, each inch of my physique is sore. Coming across the nook, I say earlier than actually trying on the determine on the sofa, “Michael, can we speak?”

The person on the sofa twists round, and I scream.

As a result of that’s not Michael.

I spin and run, fairly pathetically, again to Michael’s room.

“Shit. Wait!” the person calls after me.

I don’t pay attention as a result of I don’t know him, and that’s sufficient for me.

Slamming the door behind me, I shove my again in opposition to it whereas I fumble with the lock. A second later, the stranger knocks on the door. It’s not indignant or demanding, however I again away from the door and stare at it just like the Hulk is about to burst by way of anyway.

“Rose?”

I freeze. How does he know my identify?

“Rose?” He tries once more, his tone somewhat softer this time. “I assume Michael didn’t let you know he was leaving me to maintain guard?”

No. No, he didn’t.

The person chuckles once I stay quiet, like he finds this complete factor amusing. One thing I don’t. “Properly, anyway, pay attention. My identify is Enzo. I work with Michael.” He pauses as if ready for me to answer. “I’m actually sorry I scared you.” He finishes once I don’t converse.

He sounds remorseful, and it pulls at my heartstrings for no matter cause. I blame the lingering hormones.

“How do I do know you’re not mendacity?” I’m proud on the confidence in my tone.

Enzo sighs loud and dramatically. “Oh, good. You might be there. I assumed perhaps you have been within the lavatory or the closet or one thing, and I used to be simply speaking to myself out right here, like an fool. To be trustworthy with you, it occurs so much, however I used to be actually hoping it would not this time as a result of, man, that was a severely dangerous first impression I made in the lounge.”

His rambling is definitely sort of cute, however I say nothing and simply wait.

“Would it not assist if I referred to as Michael to elucidate every part?”

“Sure.”

“Nice!” He sounds relieved, like I’d truly say no.

I hear him mess together with his cellphone by way of the door, placing the gadget on speaker because it rings twice earlier than Michael solutions. “Enzo? Is every part okay?”

“Yeah, boss. All the pieces’s high-quality. It’s simply that I’m right here with Rose, and nicely, I’m truly exterior your bed room door as a result of I could have scared her—”

“What?” Michael interrupts. “What did you do?”

“Nothing. I swear. She got here out into the lounge, and I believe she was anticipating you. Anyway, she ran off when it was my good-looking face as an alternative and locked herself in your room. I launched myself and apologized, then provided to name you to substantiate I used to be not mendacity. Additionally, you’re on speaker.”

Michael sighs into the cellphone. “Rose?”

I step nearer to the door. “Sure?”

“I’m sorry I didn’t let you know that I used to be leaving Enzo behind. I didn’t notice I might be gone so lengthy and hoped you’ll nonetheless be asleep once I returned. However I belief Enzo with my life and so are you able to, I promise.” His deep voice calms my frayed nerves. “You probably did nicely, by the way in which, operating from a stranger. I might too from Enzo. He’s fairly ugly,” he provides on, which makes the stranger I now know as Enzo scoff in disbelief.

I elevate my hand to the doorknob and twist, pulling the door open simply sufficient to peek out at Enzo. Vivid blue eyes meet mine cautiously earlier than he gives me a reassuring smile. He’s an extremely massive man with tattoos masking each inch of seen pores and skin. The edges of his head are shaved, exhibiting off the swirls of intricate tattoos on his cranium. What’s left of his blond hair is pulled again right into a excessive bun. He resembles a buffed, tattooed, modern-day Viking, finishing the look with an extended, clear beard tied off on the backside. him now, he’s fairly intimidating but in addition good trying…in a gruff sort of approach.

“Hello, Rose,” he says. “Good to satisfy you. Formally.”

“Hello.”

He gives his cellphone out to me, and I attain out for it.

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