She finally looked up at me, those big blue eyes searching my face. "I broke down in your club, got attacked, made you rescue me, and now I'm sitting in your kitchen wearing your clothes after you had to call a doctor because I couldn't manage my own medical condition. How is that not being a burden?"
I moved without thinking, reaching out to tuck a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. "Is that how you see it? Because from where I'm sitting, I see a young woman who survived years of emotional abuse, who's been taking care of herself against impossible odds since she was a child, and who's still standing despite everything life has thrown at her."
Her eyes widened, and for a moment I thought she might cry. Instead, she looked down again, her fingers tracing the edge of her phone case. Hercrackedphone case, and I cursed for not noticing before. I had a half dozen phones in my office drawer."That's on me," I said casually, gesturing to her phone. "Your bag got dropped in the struggle with those dicks from the alley."
She glanced down and flushed. "It was already like this."
I shook my head. "I have a few spare phones in my office and company insurance covers them." I said, trying to sound casual. "You need something reliable for safety. It won't be the latest model…" I lied but it worked.
"Thank you. I need to go back to my apartment," she said softly.
I tensed, my hand falling away from her face. "Lottie—"
"I have clothes, and my work uniform and my—"
"Someone broke into your apartment," I reminded her, trying to keep my voice gentle. "Someone who knew exactly where you live and how to get in without leaving evidence. It's not safe."
"I can't just...disappear," she argued, though her voice lacked conviction. "I have a shift tomorrow. I need my job."
I took a breath, reminding myself to tread carefully. "About that. My colleagues have been looking into the break-in."
Her eyes snapped to mine. "What? Who's been looking?"
"Security specialists," I said, deliberately vague. "Friends of mine who work at Salvation. We have reason to believe whoever entered your apartment specifically targeted you, as there wasn’t any anger displayed when they didn’t find anything to steal."
She paled. "Why would anyone target me? I don't have anything worth stealing."
"Exactly, and that's what we're trying to figure out." I hesitated, then decided on complete honesty. "Lottie, I don't think you should go back there. Not alone, at least."
She bit her lip. "I can't afford to move."
"You could stay here for the time being," I offered. "Just until we figure out what's going on. I have plenty of space."
"With you?" Her voice was small. I watched her carefully, noting the way she clutched the hem of the shirt, how hershoulders curved inward slightly. Everything about her body language screamed vulnerability, and something protective surged through me.
"Yes, with me," I said, keeping my voice gentle but firm. "In the guest room, of course. I think it would be good for you to have somewhere safe while you get your health stabilized."
She looked down at her hands. "I don't want to impose..."
"You're not imposing if I'm inviting you," I said, my tone brooking no argument. I softened it with a small smile. "Besides, Mr. Snuggles already knows where everything is."
That earned me a tiny smile. "He does seem comfortable here."
"Then it's settled." I nodded decisively. "We'll go get what you need from your apartment—together—and bring it back here. You can stay as long as you need to."
"But my job—"
"We'll figure that out too," I assured her. "One step at a time, okay?” I looked at my watch. “Doc will be here in a few minutes to check on you.”
Her eyes widened in alarm, but the gate alarm sounded so I knew he was here. I bent down and brushed a kiss on her cheek. “He’s here, but unless you specifically ask, then I won’t leave you.”
I really hoped she didn’t.
Chapter nine
Lottie
The doorbell rang, and I froze. My body tensed with the familiar anxiety that always accompanied medical visits. Walker must have noticed because he gave my shoulder a gentle squeeze before going to answer the door.
