he felt it. His hand slid down until his palm rested on her chest, over her heart.
“I’m okay,” she repeated again.
“I’m going to keep you that way. From now on, I’ll be your own personal bodyguard. Keep you alive and breathing.”
She swallowed. “I—”
“No arguments. No negotiations. This is the way it’s going to be.”
Haven nodded, and saw his shoulders relax a little.
“I’m not letting you out of my sight.” He rested his forehead against hers.
“Okay, Rhys.”
“Let’s get you home.”
He bundled her up, and then when he looked at her bare feet, he lifted her into his arms. He carried her through the hospital and outside to the SUV. It was a short drive back to his place.
Realization flooded her. “I have nothing.” Her mother’s bracelet. It had likely been destroyed. A searing pain filled Haven’s heart. Her clothes, her jewelry. “God, all my things—”
He reached out and touched her hand. “We’ll take care of it.”
She nodded, fighting back tears.
“You have insurance?”
She nodded again. “I had a bracelet of my mother’s, some photos, my clothes. They’re gone.”
He squeezed her hand.
Once they reached his place, he carried her into the elevator. He set her down in front of his door to unlock it, and it swung open to reveal Easton.
Her boss shouldered his brother aside and pulled her against him.
Her lips trembled.
“Shit, Haven,” Easton murmured.
Gia strode in from the kitchen. “My turn.”
As her friend hugged her, Haven spotted Vander and Saxon in the kitchen. Vander was dressed all in black and as always, Saxon looked aristocratic and elegant in a custom suit.
“I bought you some supplies.” Gia nodded her head toward what Haven guessed was Rhys’ bedroom. “Clothes, underwear, toiletries, and makeup. Just a few days’ worth. We’ll get more.”
“Can I stay with you?” Haven asked.
There was a deep growl behind her, and Rhys wrapped an arm around her. She found herself pressed against his body.
“No,” he clipped out.
“Rhys—”
“You’re staying with me.”
No. No. There was no way she could fight the pull of him if they were living together. “I don’t—”
“It’s not safe. You could put Gia in danger.”
Horror rolled through Haven. She hadn’t even thought of that. “Then you’ll be in danger, too.”
He cupped her cheek. “I’m trained. It’s my job.”
“No one is going to get you, Haven.” Vander’s hard tone wasn’t just a promise, it was a vow.
And she saw the echo of that in Rhys’ eyes.
Okay. She could do this. She’d sleep on his couch. And she’d keep her eyes, hands, and lips off Rhys’ body. Somehow.
“I have drinks with a client tonight,” Gia said.
“What client?” Saxon demanded. “It’s late for a business meeting.”
Gia pinned him with a look. “I don’t run my schedule through you, Buchanan.”
A scowl crossed Saxon’s handsome face. “I think—”
Gia held up her hand. “I don’t care what you think.”
Sexy, elegant Saxon growled. Haven watched the pair eagerly. What was this? How had she missed the tension between these two before? Maybe because she’d been too busy avoiding Rhys.
Gia focused on Haven. “I’ll cancel—”
“No,” Haven said. “Go. I’ll be fine.”
“She needs to rest anyway,” Rhys added.
Gia gave her a tight hug. “I’m already sorting through stuff to get you a replacement license, ID, credit cards.”
Haven smiled. “Thanks, G.”
“No more danger for you.”
Haven snorted. “I’ll see what I can do.”
“I don’t want a world without you in it, girlfriend.”
Tears pricked Haven’s eyes. “Don’t make me cry.”
“He’ll take care of you.” Gia’s voice was a quiet murmur.
“I know, but as soon as it’s safe, I’m out of here.”
Gia smiled that maddening smile of hers. “We’ll see.”
Why could no one understand? “He’s your brother, my boss’ brother—”
Gia kissed her cheek. “Sleep well.” She winked. “Or not.”
After blowing kisses to her brothers, and shooting a glare at Saxon, Gia left.
“I think I need a shower,” Haven said to the sexy man-huddle at the kitchen island. She wanted the blood and soot gone.
Rhys broke away. “Let me show you where to find everything.”
His bedroom had white walls, and the same warm, wood floor as the living area. A bed with an industrial-style, metal headboard faced floor-to-ceiling windows that highlighted the Bay Bridge. He pointed through to the spacious bathroom, with lots of gray granite and a large shower.
His hands reached into her hair, tugging her ponytail loose.
“Take your time,” he said.
Soon, Haven was naked in Rhys’ shower. She closed her eyes. She was in so much trouble, and she didn’t just mean exploding apartments and art thieves.
Grabbing one of Rhys’ fluffy, gray towels off the rack, she dried off. She