Page 98 of What Comes Around

“I want to pay for it,” I said.

“Don’t worry about that,” he replied. “I have it handled.”

I opened my mouth to argue, then closed it. If he wanted to pay, let him pay.

Later, when I was getting ready for bed, Knox touched the necklace lightly where it rested against my collarbone.

“Keep this on always,” he said. “And the bracelet too.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Why?”

“They are delicate. The clasps are… particular. They are not meant to be taken off often.”

It was a strange answer, but I didn’t push.

Going back to work the next day felt strange. Everything looked the same, but people looked at me differently. The concern they tried to hide.

Claire saw me first.

“Oh my God,” she said, rushing over. “Ashley.”

She stopped short, her eyes scanning my face. The bruises were mostly gone, hidden under careful makeup, but not completely invisible.

“We heard what happened. We were so worried,” she said. “Nora cried.”

“I did not cry,” Nora protested from behind her.

“You absolutely cried,” Priya said.

Nora rolled her eyes, then glanced at me. “You’re okay?” she asked more softly.

“I’m okay,” I replied.

Priya pulled me into a gentle hug without asking. “I am glad you are back.”

Something warm settled in my chest.

Then Knox stepped out of the elevator with Titan.

He had already left the house before I woke up that morning. I only realized he was gone when I reached across the bed and found cold sheets. A message was waiting on my phone.

“Early meeting. I will see you at the office. Nathan will drive you. “

Knox had taken Titan with him and left Nathan behind to make sure I got to work safely.

Knox’s eyes found me immediately, like he had been scanning the room the second the doors opened. He walked straight toward my desk, ignoring everyone else, Titan trotting beside him.

“How are you feeling?” he asked quietly.

“I’m good,” I said, offering a small reassuring smile.

Titan nudged his head against my hand. I laughed softly and scratched behind his ears. He leaned into the touch, warm and solid, his tail sweeping lazily behind him.

Knox watched me for another moment, as if searching for cracks I might be hiding, then gave a single nod. He leaned down, his voice low enough that only I could hear.

“If you need anything, I’m in my office.”

I nodded. He lingered for a heartbeat longer before finally turning and heading back to his office, Titan trotting after him.