Page 28 of To Catch a Sub

The bathroom counter was covered in boxes of medical supplies—large boxes of bandages, ointment, and sterilizing wipes—as well as several small, unopened packs of super glue.

She stood sideways to the mirror, raising her arm so she could see the entire length of the cut. It was only open in a few places, with about half of it still glued shut.

Wetting a pad from a carton of sterile water, she started cleaning the wound. Dissolving and wiping away dried blood caused fresh blood to flow. With a curse she grabbed the black makeup towel and tucked it into the band of her underwear to catch the dripping blood.

She was sweating despite standing mostly naked in a cool tiled bathroom by the time the wound was cleaned, dried, and had stopped bleeding enough for her to redo the glue.

Reaching across her body with her right hand, she pinched the skin together, then placed a thick line of fast-drying super glue along the cut. It stung, and she gritted her teeth. She counted to thirty, then counted again, needing the glue to hold.

She’d have to make sure Landon never saw this.

Or you could tell him. Show him what Damien did to you. Let him see that you barely escaped.

She snorted at her own thoughts. No, she’d give Landon and Interpol enough information to go after Damien and his organization, but she was going to keep herself out of the story as much as possible. She’d carefully imply that Damien was after her because she’d stolen something from him—all without actually admitting to anything, of course.

She wouldn’t tell Landon what Damien had done to her…or what he’d threatened to do once he got his hands on her again.

* * *

Colette stared out the car window. “No.” She sat back in her seat.

Landon, seated beside her, twisted to face her, his knee brushing hers.

It was the first physical contact they’d had since yesterday, and his touch tingled through her.

“What do you mean ‘no’?”

“I mean no. I’m not getting out of the car.”

“Missus, you okay?” The cab driver met her gaze in the mirror.

“I’m fine, but I’ll be staying in the car, thank you.”

Landon snorted.

Colette pointed to the window. More specifically the neighborhood outside the window. “This looks like a place one goes to get murdered.”

“Haringey’s not as bad as all,” the driver said, “but you’re welcome to stay and I’ll drop you somewhere else.”

“We’ll be getting out here,” Landon said, opening his door.

Colette rolled down the window. “You can get out. I’ll find a nice hotel.”

Landon closed the boot. He had a duffle bag on his shoulder, his small roller bag in one hand…

And her larger suitcase in the other.

He hefted her bag with one arm. Impressive, it was heavy. “Get out or don’t. Either way, I’m taking this.”

Shit. There was nothing incriminating in her luggage, but that suitcase also contained everything she had right now. She didn’t dare go back to either of her apartments to get clothes, since Damien might have people watching her residences.

She could purchase new items, but having to get a whole new wardrobe, shoes, toiletries… Ugh.

Colette opened the car door.

“Missus, you sure?”

“Yes, thank you.”