Nico pinched his eyes. “Rae, it’s the middle of the night—”
“Technically—”
“Will you be quiet, woman. For one fucking minute, just…just give up control for one minute.”
He dropped his hand, momentarily defeated. His look spoke volumes.
“Let me help you. Please,” he breathed.
It was that tone, coupled with the please, that tamed the bristles at his domineering command. Locking the car, I followed him to the elevator. It was a silent ride. Nico looked as tired as I felt. The urge to reach up, to smooth the lines from his face, was strong. I shoved my hands in my pockets to keep from doing it.
The wad of stolen money was a brutal reminder of what I was caught in the middle of doing.
“You waited outside for me,” I muttered.
“Mhmm,” he answered.
“All night.”
His shoulder lifted and dropped. “I wasn’t sure when you’d run. I was actually about to go inside to sleep a little, but…I’m glad I trusted my gut and waited.”
Me too.
I caught myself before I could blurt out the truth. I turned away so he wouldn’t read it in my face.
The elevator opened to a dark hallway. The carpet was buttery soft. Dramatic wall sconces cast a low light over the yawning length. Nico led the way, stopping at the only door part way down and inserting his key in the lock.
If the hall was luxurious, the apartment was ten times that. Both were deceptively simple, but the cost was plain in the minimal decorating and sumptuous interior.
“This is my place,” he explained dragging my suitcase across the open concept.
“Your place?” I gaped at it. “Why the hell would you stay in that house of horrors if you have this private, pimped out bachelor pad?!”
Nico snorted. “Dio mio, cherry-bomb, you have a way with words.”
I brushed the observation off and wandered aimlessly around. Nico pulled my suitcase down the hall off to the right of the main area. Lights from the floor-to-ceiling windows beckoned me, and I trailed over.
“Wow!” I breathed. “You can see everything from up here.”
Nico returned and leaned against the island. “Not everything. Not until now.”
I flicked a glance at him but had to look away. His stareburnedme.
“It’s pretty,” I murmured, unable to acknowledge what he’d said.
The glass was cool against my forehead as I continued to stare at the street below, the building across the way, and the open sky beyond.
“Here’s what’s going to happen.” He yawned. “You’re going to sleep.”
Spinning around, I started to protest.
“Rae.” He scrubbed his hands over his face and looked at me through his fingers. “Please…enough.”
But I was breathing too hard again. Panic edged around me, and I shuddered violently. He didn’t get it. I had to make him understand.
As if sensing this was a battle, Nico sighed and pushed off the island. He prowled over with slow, deliberate steps. I let him approach. It wasn’t like there was anywhere else to flee. He gently cupped my cheeks between his hands.
The touch was warm. Solid. Reassuring.
