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Aware of how I looked, I went to the bathroom and stripped out of my filthy clothes. Naked, I stood at the sink, bracing my hands on the porcelain. The position bunched my chest and biceps, and I glared at my reflection. Blood was matted in my hairline, and a fresh trickle ran down my temple. Wanting to be with Kaja and my family, I turned on the tap and quickly washed the blood from my face. My scalp stung, and more blood leaked from the wound. It probably needed stitches, but there wasn’t much I could do about that yet.
I gathered up my dirty clothes and threw them into the washing machine. I needed to get my car valeted as well to remove any evidence of dust from the blast, but again, I didn’t have time. I dressed in a clean suit, making myself presentable once more. At least now if the police stopped me, I’d only have the head wound to explain away, and that could be something as simple as hitting my head on the edge of the car as I was getting out.
Catching the lift back down to the car park, I made my way back to my Range Rover.
I drove back across the city to Tam’s house. With relief, I spotted his car in the drive. At least he was back and had hopefully broken the news to Hallie.
The gates opened, and I drove through and parked my vehicle next to Tam’s. As I climbed out, the front door opened, and Kaja appeared in the doorway, her arms folded across her chest. I exhaled a sigh of relief. Seeing her again was like a tonic to my soul. Instantly, I felt calmer, though I knew we still hadn’t discussed what had happened earlier. She had every right to be furious with me—more than every right. I should be down on my knees, telling her what a fucking prick I’d been.
I climbed out of the car.
“You’re bleeding,” she said as I walked towards her.
I touched my hand to my head. “It’s fine. I’m just glad you’re safe.”
She arched an eyebrow. “You care about me being safe? I thought you wanted me dead.”
Her tone was harsh, and I winced. I could hardly blame her for that. I deserved it.
“No, I don’t. I should never have said that.”
Her chin wobbled. “You’re breaking my heart.”
“You should never have trusted me with it in the first place.”
“It wasn’t a choice, Leo. These things never are. You started something the first time you touched me, and I’ve craved that touch ever since.”
“Kaja, you were the one to touch me first. I didn’t start that, you did, remember?”
“You’re right. I was a fool.” She looked as though she was considering pushing her point, but then she closed her eyes briefly and exhaled. “You need to get that wound stitched up. It’ll cause questions if the police come.”
She was right.
“Come into the bathroom. Let me help.”
I didn’t deserve to be treated with any kindness, but I’d do anything she told me.
