AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Sorry,” I smiled sheepishly at him.
He shrugged. “There’s nothing to be sorry about. You saved me the trouble of showing yourself around.”
“Where were you? I didn’t see you as I checked out your place.” I asked suddenly.
“I had business to take care of on the ninth floor. I just walked in,” he replied.
“So, why do you want me here?” I asked.
“Why did you come?” He shot back at me.
I blinked, confused, “What kind of question is that?”
Roger ran a hand through his hair, something I noticed he does if stressed or in conflict.
It was hard to concentrate. He looked hot, dressed in a pristine white shirt neatly tucked into black slacks. His hair looked tousled as if he’d just woken up. He looked so damn sexy!
“Why’d you come back to New York, Mandy?”
I stood looking at him but didn’t answer. He jogged my memory that we discussed my ex, ‘Kade, the stalker’ while in Milan. How could I respond to his question? I can’t reveal my pregnancy, his baby. He continued to talk, giving me time to think.
“Kade’s obsessed with you, and I’m worried he’s planning something else. He could hurt you. The way he showed up knowing exactly where to find you, well, it’s concerning. You’ve only been back, what, a week or two. You just started working for me. Who knows what he’s capable of doing to you when you’re alone,” Roger said.
I looked at him in disbelief, “You’re worried about me? Why?”
Roger rolled his eyes, “You’re Stefan’s sister. I wouldn’t want anything to you. Especially under my watch.”
I sneered at his comment. “Whatever, Roger. I’m going home now.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea. You won’t be safe at home,” Roger pointed out.
I felt chills run down my spine. I realized the truth of what he said. Kade’s been a crazy obsessed ex since we broke up. I should’ve known he’d try anything to get me back.
He was probably waiting for me now. That thought made me sick with fear, and I began to tremble.
Roger noticed my trembling and came from behind and hugged me. I leaned into his warm arms, resting my head on his chest. I felt so safe here, with him.
I so wanted this to be real. Tears filled my eyes as I suddenly realized returning to New York was a huge mistake. I didn’t want Roger to know about the baby, especially since he called me ‘another scandal.’
Now I’ve added the unstable, crazy Kade to the mix. My baby could be in danger. I have to protect this baby, no matter what the cost. Maybe I should return to Milan. But how could I provide and adequately care for my baby as a bartender and teach yoga?
I desperately needed someone I trusted whom I could talk with. For the first time, I felt real fear, not for me but for my unborn child.
“Talk to me, Mandy,” Roger whispered in my ears as he kissed my temples.
“I’m scared,” I said in a shaky voice, releasing a breath I didn’t know I was holding.
Roger nodded as he turned to face me. We were standing on the terrace as the sun slowly began to set.
“I know you’re scared and have every right to be. I’m sorry for all of this,” he murmured as he kissed my temples again.
I hated what his kisses did to me. I could feel my heart pounding and butterflies in my stomach. I knew beyond a reasonable doubt that I’d fallen for Roger Day. It didn’t make logical sense, and it didn’t matter how much of an ass he could be.
“Why’d my brother demand that I stay away from you?” I asked.
He looked at me seriously, his lips close to my temples.
“Because I’m broken.”
