Page 154 of Fixation

He helps me place my foot on the stool, then sets the ice pack on it. Ever so gently, he leans in to kiss me, and I kiss this crazy man back.

“It wasn’t a simple question.” Anderson, rising to his full height, is a formidable presence. An alluring one. My breasts swell, breath catching in my throat. “You’ll have your answers. All in due time.”

“You’re unbelievable.” And compassionate. And caring. And kind. The ice and my elevated leg do wonders for my ankle.

“Be good for me.” Though his cock is thick and his hands curl into fists, he keeps a safe distance. “Put as little pressure as possible on that ankle. I’ll be back soon.”

“To ruin me some more.” My teeth graze my bottom lip as my cheeks heat.

“Yes.” He’s at the doorway, twisting half his body to look at me. “I’ll be doing that for the rest of our lives. Until we’re both old and gray, and I won’t stop there. The devil himself will have to come and take me away from you. I fucking dare him.”

26

HARPER

I’m using my finest metal file to smooth the silver pendant I’ve been working on over the past four hours. All that’s left is adding the gemstones. Black and red.

I’m so focused on it that when my doorbell rings, I yelp.

I don’t think anyone could blame me. The last few days have been nerve-wracking. My body is wrung out. I’m on edge constantly.

At the second ring, I take a deep breath, place my now-warm ice pack on the floor and get up to answer the door.

I’m being thoughtful, taking care of myself as if Anderson were here to do it for me. Like he’s watching over me even when he’s gone.

I wish he were here.

If only to put a hand on him for support. To be comforted by his scent. To look at him and know I’m being taken care of.

“No,” I whisper to myself. I can’t lean on him, metaphorically or physically. Can’t trust him without having the full picture.

I’ve got this. I’ve had it for years.

So what if I miss him?

You want me to bend you over the table? Spank you raw until you eat?

The wetness in my pussy is unbearable. Unacceptable.

The door rings a third time while I wobble.

Who could it be?

Darla never drops by without calling first. Anderson would’ve been in my doorway instead of waiting outside.

I’m not expecting any deliveries.

“Miss Arlington.” A woman’s hoarse voice reaches the second floor. “NYPD. We’d like to have a word with you.”

I’m already on the first floor when I freeze up.

A long, bone-chilling moment passes. Last month, I wouldn’t have hesitated before opening the door to the cops.

My business is as ethical as they come. I pay my taxes on time. My family is as law-abiding as I am.

Last month, an unhinged, maddeningly gorgeous, and criminal doctor wasn’t a part of my life.

That I was aware of.