“Not happening. You’re staying with me.”
If she had even half of her strength, she would’ve fought me on this. Instead, her attention shifted to the city beyond the window.
“I’m not your responsibility,” she muttered.
No, she wasn’t. But I wanted her to be. Wanted to be the one to take care of both her and Millie. Even if I didn’t know the first thing about being that person for anyone else.
I couldn’t tell her that. Not yet anyway; that was why I kept my mouth shut until I parked my Mercedez in its spot in the garage. Cutting the engine, I stepped out. Kate didn’t fucking move. With a quick, fortifying breath to my lungs, I rounded the vehicle and opened her door.
Hands folded in her lap; she stared out in front of her. “Take me home.”
A better man would have done what she’d asked. Hell, a better man wouldn’t have brought her here in the first place. Good thing I never claimed to be the better man.
“No.” I leaned over her and barely resisted the urge to press my lips against hers before I released her seat belt. “You have two choices here, Kitty Kat. Get out of the car by yourself or…” I held out my hand, wiggling my fingers. “I help yououtandcarry you inside.”
Fierce and hot, her gaze snapped to mine. Those eyes bored into me for a few intense seconds before dropping to my hand. She stared at it for far longer.
“Why won’t you just take me home?” Her voice was begging, pleading with me to make her understand. But how could I when I didn’t fully understand any of this myself?
Squatting beside her, I caressed her jaw, urging her gaze to mine. “Let me take care of you, Kate.”
“I can’t.”
Gritting my teeth, I ground out, “Why the fuck not?”
“Because…” As quickly as she’d opened her mouth, she slammed it shut again.
I wanted to grab her by the shoulders and shake her until she told me why the hell she was so intent on fighting this thing between us.
Because there was a fucking thing.
“I’ll get out,” she finally said, voice resigned.
With my fingers threaded through hers, we headed to my apartment. I didn’t let go when we stopped to get my mail and messages from Ezekiel at the front desk. I didn’t let go when we stepped in the elevator.
I was half tempted to keep holding on to her when we entered my apartment but opted for deadbolting the door and tucking the key in my pocket...for safekeeping. Maybe I’d let up a little after she got some rest and her skin regained some of its color.
Maybe I wouldn’t.
I wanted Kate here...under my roof where I could keep an eye on her, where I could protect and comfort her.
Shoving my hands in my pockets, I led the way to my bedroom. She’d be sleeping in my bed.
“Are you hungry?” I asked.
“No.” Her hoarse voice didn’t sound as close as she’d been earlier. “Before you ask, I’m not thirsty either.”
I’d get electrolytes and bland snacks, in case. Right now, I needed her to get enough rest for her body to recover. The only problem was, Kate seemed to be stuck in the hallway.
“Why aren’t you moving?” I hurried back. “Do you feel sick?”
Focused on something over my shoulder, she shook her head.
“Then what is it, baby?” Cupping her face, I stroked my thumb over her cheeks. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
Her gaze met mine. She blinked, then blinked again, her eyes turning glossier with every flutter of her lids.
Whether she meant for them to or not, those walls crumbled to the ground faster than lightning could strike, and fuck me, I almost couldn’t stand what I saw.
