Page 18 of Sinful Negotiations

He started to rise from his chair when his door opened, and Tessa appeared file in hand. “Oh, you’re in. You usually take Saturdays off. I didn’t see you exit the elevator.”

He turned away, not wanting her to see his face. “Leave it on my desk.”

“Aidan?”

With a deep sigh, he slightly lifted his head. “What?”

“What happened?”

“You. You’re what happened.”

The door slammed and he winced, but she circled his desk and cupped his cheeks with both hands. “Look at me.”

“Go to your office.”

“No.” With one hand, she lifted his chin. “Although I’ve thought about bashing you with something, I can’t take credit for this nasty gash.”

“I fell.”

“You never fall. Try again.”

“Don’t worry about it. I’ll be fine.”

“Why are you here? Go home and rest.”

“Only if you come with me. I need a nurse.”

Warm, sweet breath fanned his cheek when she chuckled. “I have other plans.”

He grabbed one of her hands in his and lightly kissed her knuckles. “Please, Tessa. I need you.”

“Not fair, Mr. Cross.”

“One night?”

“What about work? Employees? There’s several in today.”

“They’ll be fine.”

“I meant them knowing.”

Aidan slid one hand over the curve of her hip. “I don’t care what they think anymore.” He pressed his face into her stomach, inhaling her intoxicating scent. Soft fingers slid against his scalp. If they weren’t in the office, he could sleep right here, right now. A couple weeks without rest, and a knot the size of a baseball finally exacted their toll emotionally and physically.

“Okay,” she whispered above his head.

Chapter 16

It wasn’t the horrible contusion on his temple, but the need in his voice that swayed her decision. She’d never heard it in him or seen him so tired. He refused to leave her side while she gathered her things from her office, wouldn’t go ahead without her, and adamantly stuck to his story about a clumsy fall.

She knew it was bullshit, but why? He also wrecked her plan to disappear. He wasn’t supposed to be here this morning, and definitely not with an injury she suspected happened because of her.

The same night a man was apprehended in front of her condo, she watched another man hurriedly walk away from the scene. That man reminded her of Aidan. She’d dismissed the thought he had been there, but now reconsidered the idea.

Aidan moved like a wolf on the prowl, ever watchful, and always aware of everything happening around him. Her face tilted as she studied him casually leaning against the wall. Why did he repeatedly glance over his shoulder? What was he looking for? Expecting? Something wasn’t right about him. He seemed ready to strike at any moment.

When his eyes turned to her, she deeply inhaled. A bright white smile spread on his chiseled features, and every scenario in her head disappeared. He knew it too by the glint in his eyes even though dark circles surrounded them. “Ready?” He asked the question with the Saturday skeleton staff intently listening.

“I’m ready.”