Page 96 of The Forbidden Bodyguard

I snap my head back and press my fingers into her back and thighs, where I hold her. “Never. I just wish I could shoot him again.”

Grayson clears his throat as the cop arrives with a blanket. Yeah, probably shouldn’t throw words around like that.

It’s unlikely I’ll be charged under the circumstances, but it’s good to be careful.

Josh strides over and stays present while we are questioned. Stella tells them everything, backing up the email messages that we obtained illegally.

I plan to leave all of that in Josh’s hands.

Miles mills around, talking to the police and keeping his eyes on me and Stella. I like my new team. They all seem extremely competent and loyal.

Important attributes.

Not that I should ever second-guess Josh. He’d never employ idiots.

Forty minutes later, we are free to leave. Stella tightens the blanket around her and walks beside me, assuring me she can walk.

Grayson gets the keys off Ryder, and the three of us head outside and climb into the Black Hawke Security SUV.

The ride home feels like it takes forever.

“You guys need anything?” Grayson turns, laying his arm along the other front seat when we arrive.

“Nah, man. Thanks for dropping us off. Tell Josh I’m going to take a few days.”

“Understandably.” He nods. “Glad you’re okay, Ms. Voss.”

“Thank you.” She smiles gently. “I need to get this disgusting dress off. Can we go?”

I push open the door and help her out.

“See you on Monday,” I tell Grayson and lead Stella inside and up to her penthouse. When the elevator doors close behind us, Stella lets out an audible wobbly sigh, and I try my hardest not to crowd her.

She’s still in shock, processing everything, and will be for days and weeks.

Possibly even longer.

That motherfucker touched her. I want all the details. I want to scream and punch a wall. I want to go back and rip Marino’s dead head from his body.

Except what I really need to do is be here for Stella. Which is exactly what I’m doing.

“What happened to you today...” I press my hand into her back. “You’re going to recover from. I promise. Just one step at a time.”

Stella nods.

Then, as we walk in further, she drops the blanket on the floor and glances around. I wait as she stares out the grand windows of her penthouse.

Minute after minute passes.

“Do you want a showe—”

“Do you love me?” Stella spins around, her big, vulnerable eyes seeking mine. “What he said. Was he right? Do you?”

Yes.

But is this the time to tell her?

“We don’t have to talk about it now.” I shake my head, running my hand over her sleek black hair. “I’m not going anywhere.”