Stalking His Claim - Lucy Darling Page 0,17

have been upset that I cancelled tonight? “Sir, there’s more.”

“Faster,” I tell my driver, knowing her tone isn't good.

“She had a little bit of a fall when she started running to get out of the rain.”

“Is she okay? Why didn't you take her to the hospital?”

“She wouldn't let me. I helped her up and got her inside. She said she just wanted to go home. She looked all right but I think she got her knees pretty good.” My heart is pounding in my chest.

“Thanks.”

“Sir,” I hear her say before I end the call. “I think she might have been crying before she fell. I don’t know why. She was fine when she left the mall but she seemed to get upset about something the closer we got to your building. I might be wrong. It could have been the rain but I’m giving you a heads-up either way.”

“Thanks, King.” I end the call as my car pulls up out front. I’m out of the car before the driver can stop fully, running inside to the elevator. I’m going to have to give the new girl a raise. She’s been watching my Tinsley closely. Even gauging her moods.

The doors slide open. I step off the elevator, almost kicking her bag. I’ll get it later. I’m guessing she’s in her room. I head down the hallway seeing a trail of clothes that stop at my bedroom door, which is wide open. I can hear the sound of the tub running in my bathroom. I stand outside for a few moments debating what to do.

When I hear her sniffle I break, rushing into the bathroom. She’s got her head down with her knees pulled to her chest. I can see her whole body shaking. Her cries may be silent but I hear them loud and clear. Her knees are covered in scratches she still hasn't cleaned.

I unbutton my shirt, pulling it off. Next go my shoes and pants. I leave on my boxer briefs. She lifts her head, finally hearing me. Her pretty blue eyes go wide in shock.

“What are you doing here?” Her face is red from crying. The burn in my chest grows worse.

“I’m where I’m supposed to be.” I step into the bathtub. I slide the first aid kit over so I can reach it before I grab her, pulling her into my arms. She doesn't fight me. She rests her head on my shoulder. I sit there for a moment telling myself she’s okay.

“Does it hurt?” I finally ask.

“A little,” she says against my neck, reminding me of how very naked she is. Normally it would have been the first thing to grab my attention. But not when she is crying. All I care about is fixing it and providing her the comfort she needs.

I pop the lid off the first aid kit and get to work on her knee. There are five million things I want to ask her. The first about her being out all day. She even left her last class early. Something she never does. But the main thing I’m concerned about is the fact that she was crying. Had she been crying before she fell? I know this isn't the time for an interrogation.

“I'll put cream and bandages on when we get out.” She nods. “Let me grab something.” I stand up, leaning over toward the counter. I grab a washcloth and a cup before I sit back down. I do my best to keep my eyes on her face. She has her legs pulled up as she sits, hiding a lot of herself. I hate that she looks so vulnerable. I push the urge down to ask her what happened. She’ll tell me when she’s ready.

“What are you doing?”

“Taking care of you.” I kiss her shoulder. She closes her eyes. I kiss her other shoulder next before I start to wash her hair. I take my time before I move on to do the rest of her. She doesn't stop me.

I’m behind her. She leans back so I can reach around her, wiping her down with the cloth. I hate it for being between my hand and her skin. She lets out a long yawn.

“All right. Let's get you out of here. I'm finished taking care of your knee.” I stand, stepping out to grab a towel. She looks up, a smile forming on her face for the first time since I came home when she sees I’m still wearing my boxer