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I’m leaving with Mr. Wiseman.
Balthazar
Disapproval from my illegal parking draws down her stunning face, yet she doesn’t chastise me. Instead, she beelines straight for the passenger door, not waiting for me to escort her. She doesn’t realize yet that I’m not a complete asshole.
At least not when it comes to her.
I grab the handle before she can and box her in. Impatient to touch her, I hold back with her still nervous and jumpy.
Instead, I settle for running my thumb along the neckline of her jersey. The red fabric has faded to almost pink with white peeking through the frayed edges. “I like this.”
Her shuddering breath from my intimate touch seems more intrigued than offended, pleasing me and my cock.
“Thanks. It was my brother Gabriel’s. He played football so I’m carrying on the tradition of watching some of the games.”
She points to her friends still hanging out by an older white SUV. Deep in conversation, I would bet a million bucks they’re probably leery of me taking Seraphina but couldn’t find a way to fight against my demand. Few people want to battle against me.
“Alex was his best friend and football crazy too, so we all try to go together during the season.”
Her words are neutral, but I can tell by her nose scrunch the emotion bubbling in her from the reminder. Killing me that I’ve upset her about her lost sibling, I move my hand to her shoulder and caress down her slender arm. “I’m sorry about your brother.”
“Thank you.”
Crimson races up her cheeks and circles her shining eyes, glistening with tears threatening to spill over.
“I miss him. I guess this is kind of sappy and sentimental, but when I’m here I feel like he is too. That he’s still with me.”
“Not sappy at all. I think it’s a great way to remember him.”
She seems surprised yet pleased from my approval, smiling a legit smile at me this time until she blows out a breath and nods her head a few times.
“Well, we better get going so I can help you.”
“You already have, more than you know.”
I yank open the door and clutch her small hand as she lowers herself down to the seat. I hold onto her longer than necessary but fuck me I don’t want to let her go. When uncertainty lines her face, I release her and hustle around to my side. Frightening her is the last thing I want to do.
I barely have my own ass against the black leather before she twists to face me, trying to catch my eye.
“You know Ms. Fine is absolutely amazing to work for, and I hope you know how much I appreciate this opportunity. I love what I do, and I’ve learned so much already. I feel very lucky to have landed such a great job right out of school.”
I hate that she’s anxious, worried that she’s somehow fucked up her career because of that bastard. Yet I’m also impressed that she’s not afraid to speak up for herself rather than just internalize her apprehension. “London raves about you too. You’re the best assistant she’s ever had.”
“Really?”
She slumps against the seat, seemingly relieved from my praise.
“I’m glad to hear that.”
I’m glad I alleviated her anxiety. Well reduced some of her concern anyway. The way she strokes the seatbelt strapped across her torso, I can tell something else is bothering her.
“I feel bad that you came all the way out here to get me. You know you can always text me. Or call me, I mean. I told London that and I don’t mind if you…do too…if you…”
Her rambling is adorable. “Don’t feel bad. Coming out here for you was worth it.”
Supple lips part, and she breathes deep. “Oh. Thank you.”
God, she’s so innocent and sweet. Too pure for me but there’s no going back now.
