Page 55

“Let’s get out of here,” Samuel says, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and walking me to the door.

I notice Mr Ted on the bed, half hidden in the sheets. I break free of his hold, snatching him up before stuffing him in my jumper, out of sight.

“Don’t say a word,” I say to both men as they go to open their mouths. Samuel wraps me in his arms and kisses the top of my head before leading me down the stairs and out of the door.

“Not saying a word,” he says, giving me a squeeze. “But I’m glad Mr Ted survived.”

His words bring tears to my eyes.

So am I.

CHAPTER 24

CALEB

Samuel leads April out of the hostel and towards my waiting car. I don’t like the sight of her in his arms, but she looks like she needs it and at the moment… it’s whatever she needs. I had no intention of inviting her to stay at my apartment when we arrived, but seeing her in ill-fitting clothes, her hair tangled, and her tear-stained cheeks seemed to have done something to me. A far cry from the woman who has been fighting me at every turn. The offer was automatic. I could lie to myself and say I’d have made the offer to anyone, but it’s not true. There’s something about April Wilson. She’s got under my skin.Somethinghappened the first night we met and it hasn’t dissipated.

Mason holds open the door for Samuel and April before stepping forward and taking the bag from my hands.

“Sir?” he asks.

“Take us home,” I say to him as he stows April’s bag in the boot.

I think about the well-worn teddy bear she grabbed off the bed. It obviously survived the fire, something from herpast that meant enough for her to save it, but what else did she lose last night?

The report Elijah sent me flashes through my brain. The findings shocked me. There will be hell to pay if she finds out I’ve investigated her. I’m going to have to tread very carefully.

We travel in silence, April’s head resting on Samuel’s shoulder, his arm wrapped around her. She’s closed her eyes, but I can tell from her breathing she’s awake.

When we finally pull into the parking garage under the apartments, Mason drives into my designated space. He opens the door and allows us out. April remains silent, and the way her shoulders slump suggests that the fight has almost drained out of her. I don’t like it.

“Come on,” I say, leading the way to the penthouse's exclusive elevator after grabbing her bag. “We can order some takeaway when we get upstairs.”

I hear Samuel whisper something to April, the frequency too low for me to make out the words, but his tone is soothing.

The elevator arrives, and I use my card to access my floor.

I glance over at April, but she averts her eyes.

“Here we are,” I say, allowing them both into my space. “The apartment covers two floors and has access to a private roof garden and pool.”

My heart begins to race as I put April’s bag down by the door and lead them into the main living area. This is my personal sanctuary, a space I have carved out for myself in the heart of this bustling city. Until today, only close friends and family have ventured inside.

“Holy shit,” Samuel exclaims.

I turn to find him standing with his hands on April's shoulders, both mesmerised, as they stare out of the glass wall ahead.

“I’ve never seen a view like it,” April mutters, making me smile.

“It’s the view that sold this place to me,” I tell her honestly. “There is nothing quite like it. Just wait until the sun goes down.”

Her eyes lock on mine, her expression one of surprise.

“This isn’t a Frazer Development?” she asks.

I shake my head. “I bought this place when I moved to the city seven years ago. Frazer Development was only just starting out. I fell in love with it, and there has been no reason for me to leave.”

I watch as she tries to calculate my age. “I was twenty-three when I bought this place,” I say. I don’t and never will apologise for my wealth and all it has afforded me. In the early days, it came from a trust fund. Still, with strategic investments, courtesy of my twin and Frazer Development’s successes, I have far exceeded even my wildest dreams. But then I work hard and play hard.