Page 9 of Dangerous Kiss

“It’s okay, sweetheart, we’ve got you. Rich, Gunter, detain this asshole until the police get here. Reggie, go call the police…I’ll take care of Biba.”

Through the fog of shock and terror, Biba realized it was Cosimo holding her so tenderly. She couldn’t help but nestle into the comfort and safety of his arms. He picked her up and carried her into the manor house. The owner of the house took one look at Biba and rushed to help.

“Let’s take her to the Lakewood Suite,” her gentle voice said, “the bed’s comfortable, and there’s a fire going. I’ll make some tea.”

Cosimo carried her into the room as if she weighed nothing and set her down onto the counterpane. Biba panicked at the thought of him leaving her, but as he tucked the sheet around her, he stayed, his arms wrapped around her.

“It’s okay, sweetheart. The police will be here soon, and we’ll get you checked out by a doctor.” He was stroking her hair away from her face, and she felt his lips press against her temple.

Biba let the shock and terror seep from her bones. “I’m so sorry, Cosimo,” she said, “I didn’t see him coming.”

“Don’t worry, Biba. Damon won’t ever bother you again if he wants to keep his career. He should be in jail. Did he hurt you?”

She nodded. “But he didn’t… I mean, I didn’t let him…” She couldn’t say the word ‘rape’ out loud.

Cosimo moved so he could study her face. “You did good. You did exactly what you were supposed to.” There was a knock at the door and Cosimo looked at her. “Are you ready?”

She nodded. “Please don’t leave me alone.”

He leaned his forehead against hers. “Never,” he whispered. “I’ll never leave you.”

And in that moment, they both knew something had changed irrevocably between them.