Page 77 of Ghost

He shifted.“All right.Give us a minute?”

Dana didn’t seem put off by Ghost’s gruff manner.“No problem.I’ll start the kettle.”She disappeared down the hallway.

Ghost lowered her bags to the floor and then cupped her elbows.“I won’t be long.No one knows you’re here and I’m positive I wasn’t followed.”

“We’ll be fine.”She echoed Dana’s words because she couldn’t put together anything that sounded more convincing.

He tipped his head and seemed to be trying to read her face.“If you want me to stay, say the word.The guys can handle Hunter for me.”

“I’m good.Honest.”

His mouth firmed, then his arms came around her, pulling her against him.Her body still buzzed with adrenaline.Her senses were frazzled and her pulse was jumpy.In seconds, all of that melted away.His embrace covered her from shoulders to midback, cradling her.One large palm cupped the back of her head, securing her face to his chest.

“I don’t want anything to happen to you.”The confession rushed from her lips like water through a broken dam.Emotion made her voice weak and almost as unstable as the rest of her.

His fingers dragged over the outside of her ear and down her neck.“I’m not going anywhere.Sit tight and I’ll see you in a few hours.”

He brought his lips to hers before letting her go.“Relax.Shower.Eat.Whatever.”

“Okay.”She forced a smile.

Dana appeared in the foyer again.Interest danced on her pretty face, and a hint of humor lit her eyes.“Sorry to interrupt,” she said suggestively.

Ghost threw her an annoyed glare.“Be good.”His words were directed at Dana.

She snickered and hooked her arm with Mila’s.“Always.Mila and I have lots to learn about each other.”

Ghost exhaled through his nose, shook his head in exasperation, then waved to Mila.“I’ll call when I’m on my way back.”

He disappeared out the door and Mila’s heart sank.

Dana steered her through the hallway and into a brightly lit living room.Large windows and plush, creamy furniture with wood accents filled the space.

“This is so pretty,” Mila breathed.

“Thanks,” Dana said happily.“We moved in about six months ago.It’s taken a bit for everything to come together, mostly because Zain complains about every décor idea I have—until it’s actually in the house.Then he realizes all over again that he can’t picture things the way I can.”

They entered the kitchen where the large, open-concept space stretched into the dining and living room.Huge windows, pendant lights, and wooden cabinets made the room homey and warm.Green, gold, and red decorations brought the holidays to life in the living room.A large Christmas tree stood in the corner near the sofa, it’s colorful lights bathing the space in warmth and cheer.

Mila couldn’t help but feel unclean and tarnished in such an inviting house.“May I use your washroom?”

“Sure, down the hall to your left.”

“Thank you.”Mila moved over the light-colored hardwood floors to a pocket door.After using the bathroom, she washed her hands, splashed soap and water over her face, and dried herself off, removing all the evidence she could and then putting the towel in the hamper.A shower would do a better job, but that would have to wait.

She made her way back to the kitchen.

“Sit,” Dana called, pointing to one of the stools at the island.

Mila took the nearest seat.Her legs trembled as soon as she lifted them off the ground.Dana set two bright-yellow mugs on the island and popped a tea bag into each one.Her makeup was neutral, her eyes were bright, and her skin was glowing.Mila couldn’t help the stab of jealousy at the seemingly picture-perfect life her new acquaintance led.

No visible trauma...then again, Mila’s wasn’t written on her face either.She didn’t doubt the guys had filled Dana in on some of her history, though.

The woman smiled.“So.You and Ghost.Honestly, never saw it coming.”

Mila blinked.“Saw what coming?”

The kettle whistled.Dana turned to snag the screeching appliance from the stove, then poured the steaming liquid into each mug.“Oh, come on.The way that man looks at you?It’s obvious he’s got it bad.”