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“Max?” I call, not wanting to intrude, but also needing to check in with him.
The door opens wider, Logan trotting out to say hello as Max follows him, smiling as our eyes connect. “You were out for the count,” he teases, walking towards my spot at the base of the stairs.
“I’m not surprised,” I respond dryly, unable to keep the smile off my face as he thumbs my cheekbone.
“You were far too tempting,” he murmurs.
My eyes dart to the office doorway, hoping Jeremy can’t hear. “I noticed.”
His mouth nibbles at mine, attentive and adoring. “You did so well, managing my demands. I was biding my time until I knew you could handle more because that’s how insane you make me,” he adds bending to kiss my throat and sending shivers down my body. “I want you all the time.”
With a final kiss, he leaves me to head back towards the office before peering in. “Come and meet Ava, the mistress of the house,” he says, turning to see my reaction.
I can’t help but giggle, everything feeling so damn perfect.
Max returns to my side, Jeremy’s heavy footsteps sounding on the stone floor. He moves efficiently and precisely, the blue suit showing off a muscly build. Max said he was ex-military, his right-hand man, a man he trusted.
“Jeremy, meet Ava Rivas. Ava, meet Jeremy Hallam.”
Jeremy reaches out a hand and I copy, my mind running, running, running. There are fits and flashes, sparks and images burning on the back of my retinas.
That sensation of déjà vu is back with a vengeance.
“Ava, it’s so good to properly meet you.”
Shivers free fall down my spine, my skin turning frigid. His voice . . . It . . . He has a northern accent.
My breath rushes out of my body, leaving me gasping and scrabbling for air.
Jeremy is mybuyer.He’s male B.
Trembling, I back up, away, shaking my head. It’s impossible to tear my eyes away from him. I barely blink, staring at him as I process what’s happening, as my brain races at what I should do next.
Max follows, making shushing noises. “Ava, it’s okay.”
I try and speak, to form the words so that Max knows. This manboughtme.
“N-no,” I manage. “No.”
Seeing me spooked, that Iknow, Jeremy starts to back away towards the office. His palms are lifted in front of him in anI won’t hurt yougesture. Meanwhile, Max has got both of my hands and is trying to gain my attention, gently pulling on them.
“Ava, Jeremy is a trusted friend and employee. You’re safe.”
I’m shaking all over, huge, violent tremors running through me from head to toe.
“Think about it,” Max says softly. “Jeremy bought you, and he took you to a car where Lionheart was waiting for you in the back. Remember?”
Despite the confusion, I nod, alternating between Jeremy and Max, even though the former stands apart from us. He has a gentle expression on his face right now, but I remember the ruthless look during the auction, theDon’t fuck with mestance. Then, he emitted a dangerous signal, like some kind of pheromone meant to ward off aggressors or predators. It must be why the other buyers in the room caved so quickly, why Luca attempted to drive the price higher by making lewd comments about me. It was only the Arab via video link who kept bidding until the price turned sky-high.
Gradually, I stop looking at Jeremy and turn my attention to Max. I blink, then blink again, my eyes focusing on his golden brown hair and the amber-speckled eyes that ooze warmth and kindness, safety and reassurance.
A sob escapes as reality comes crashing down on top of me.
With trembling hands I cup his face, steadying myself. I feel so small and fragile against him, this bastion of strength and power.
My rescuer. My light in the dark.
My Lionheart.
