of the Bentley. ‘I don’t mind accompanying her if your presence will be a problem or spark unwanted questions.’ I’m not stupid. I don’t know this man, but everything is telling me that people prying into the circumstances of Penny’s injuries wouldn’t be gratefully received. Or people prying into him, for that matter.
‘What makes you think that?’ His voice is deep and low. It’s rough but silky, threatening but soothing, and his cobalt eyes seem to dance as I stare at him. He’s getting a little thrill from my approach. He likes me challenging his authority.
‘Instinct.’
His lips quirk a touch, that dimple forming again, his eyebrows rising in amusement. His humour irritates me now, and I muster up some fortitude and step forward, showing him my determination. The look of shock on his face fascinates me. He’s surprised that I’m standing up to him. Frankly, I am, too. ‘She needs a hospital.’
His dimple deepens. ‘What’s your name, girl?’
‘Izzy.’ I don’t hesitate to tell him, and I have no clue why. ‘Izzy White.’
‘Izzy White. I’m Theo. Theo Kane.’ I fall victim to his eyes again, staring in wonder. There’s a certain prettiness beyond the hardness of his face, making him appear younger than I initially thought, yet his presence is that of a far more mature man.
He steps forward, offering his hand. I stare at it and roll my shoulders to rid myself of the tremor of apprehension. ‘Take it, Izzy.’
I do, immediately, and he tugs me forward, my front coming dangerously close to his. He gulps, his hand beginning to shake, and he pulls away but doesn’t release his grip, like he’s having a fight with himself over whether or not to let me go. I look up at him in question, seeing that battle in his eyes. This close, I get to truly appreciate his height, my level vision falling just below his throat. Jesus, he’s a mountain.
Constricting his hand around mine, he takes another tiny step forward, almost as if he’s approaching me with caution. His persona and behaviour could be interpreted as intimidating, but I feel nothing but intrigue. He’s studying me closely. The sharp stubble of his jaw is perfectly even, his lips parted just a fraction. ‘You have soft hands,’ he murmurs quietly. ‘Warm and soft. I like the feel of them.’
Oh my God.
I look away, completely stunned. ‘She needs professional care,’ I say mindlessly, feeling his grip flex around mine. I try to pull away, but he laughs in the face of my strength, keeping a firm hold of me. ‘I strongly urge you to take her to the hospital. It’s the best place for her.’
‘You don’t think I can care for her?’
‘Forgive me, but you don’t look like the type to have any medical knowledge.’
‘But you do,’ he replies gently, seeming to take no offence, his hand shifting a little in mine, roaming and feeling through my fingers. ‘So you’ll come with me.’
‘What?’ I blurt, my eyes darting upward. Is he crazy?
‘Your concern for Penny is touching,’ he goes on. It’s now him trying to pull free from my grasp, but nerves have suddenly made my grip tighten. His jaw stiffens, and he yanks himself free with a hiss. My arm drops to my side as I stare up at a face that is hovering on the line between irresistible and dangerous. ‘I’ll ensure everything you need is waiting for you when we arrive.’
‘I’m not a doctor,’ I point out. ‘I’m a nurse. My medical knowledge isn’t as broad as a doctor’s.’
‘I have faith in you.’ Theo gestures towards the big, impressive Bentley, watching as I follow his extended arm. ‘Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you, Izzy,’ he says on a mere whisper, turning those big hands over and showing me his palms. ‘That I promise you.’
I have no reason to believe him, and despite sensing that he’s no danger to me, I know I should be wise. And it wouldn’t be wise for me to get in that car with these two huge men. I shake my head and step back. ‘Please, won’t you just take her to a hospital?’
On a sigh, he reaches back under his suit jacket, pulling something out. ‘I can’t do that.’ He holds something out to me, and I look down to see what.
A gun.
‘Oh my God,’ I murmur, clumsily stepping back, my composure long gone. ‘Okay, I’ll come.’ I hold up my hands.
‘Hey, calm down,’ he says, way too gently, considering he has a gun