Page 82 of Before and After

Relief bloomed on her face.

After I waved the others on, we walked to the front door of the building. I pulled her keys out.

“Oh, you found my keys.”

“Yes. Your phone was ruined, though.”

“Damn.”

I unlocked the door. “Don’t worry about that now.”

She nodded tiredly.

Screw this.I slid my arms around her, bent my knees, and lifted her into my arms.

She gave a startled gasp and slid her arm across my shoulders. “Caden, I’m too heavy.”

“No, you’re not.”

I carried her up the stairs. At her front door, memories of pinning her there and tasting her between those lean thighs hit me. I remembered her sweet cries as she’d come for me.

Now wasn’t the time for that. She’d just survived a scary abduction, and she was cold and hurt. I unlocked her front door and carried her inside.

“Sit.” I lowered her to the couch, then headed for the kitchen. I found an ice pack in her freezer, then sat beside her and pressed it to her eye.

Her place looked…cozy. There were bright colors on the wall in one corner, and a basket filled with toys. A welcoming home for a kid.

She’d made a cozy spot for her nephew. She’d turned a small, bland condo into a home.

“I need this to not look so bad.” She fidgeted with the ice pack. “I don’t want Ollie to panic.”

“You can’t shield him from everything.”

“I know. I know there are times I won’t be able to, but I’m going to try.” She shivered again.

“Go and take a hot shower. I’ll refreeze the ice pack and make you a hot drink.”

With a tight nod, she pushed to her feet. She set my jacket on the back of the couch. “Thanks for staying.”

I watched those long legs as she headed down the hallway.

I looked toward the ceiling and muttered under my breath. I needed to keep my own needs on lockdown.

She needed comfort, care, and my protection tonight, and nothing else.

Chapter 21

Allie

The shower helped.

I was no longer cold. I’d carefully washed my hair and cleaned my grazed palm. I’d put some cream on it later. Stepping out, I dried off, then looked in the mirror.

Oh crap. I winced, which tugged on my eye. The side of it was swollen. I poked at it. It felt tight and hot.

Stupid assholes.

A quiver ran through me. What if it had been worse? What if I’d been hurt badly or killed?