Page 70 of Night and Day

“I’m all right. What about you?” He sat up, pulling me with him.

Panic drilled into me. He could have been killed, if I hadn’t realized the chandelier was falling. I patted his shoulders, his face. “Are you sure you aren’t hurt?” I dusted some glass out of his dark hair. “Ro, God.” I cupped his cheeks, trying to get a hold on my fear.

“Look at me.”

I met his amber eyes.

“I’m okay, Tessa. Thanks to you.”

I let out a ragged breath. I was vaguely aware of people running into the room, but all I could see was him.

“Damn, you have a small cut on your cheek.” He rubbed it with his finger, just below my right eye, and I felt a small sting.

“It’s fine.”

His face hardened. “No, it’s not. This asshole has gone too far this time.”

“Ro, I’m okay. We’re both okay.”

He rested his forehead against mine, then, heedless of our audience, he pressed a light kiss to the cut. Butterflies took flight in my stomach.

Then he rose, held out a hand, and hauled me up.

Glancing around, I saw plenty of staff all standing around looking shocked. Coral, Archie, and Rupert were staring at me, their faces stunned. Enzo was beside them, his face hard as he glared at the ruined chandelier.

A moment later, Everett, Piper, and Caden appeared.

“Jesus,” Piper said.

“Everett, I need this cleaned up.” My voice wasn’t as steady as I would have liked.

He nodded.

“Caden,” Ro said. “My office.” Then he turned and grabbed my hand. “Tessa…”

“Go, deal with it. I’ll reassure my staff that everything is okay and get this cleared away.”

“When you leave tonight…” His hand tightened on mine. “Don’t go anywhere alone.”

“Ro—”

“Please?”

I nodded.

As he stalked off with Caden, I straightened my shoulders. “All right, everyone, the drama is over. Let’s get this mess cleaned up.”

* * *

“Well, thanks.”

Caden stopped at my front gate and nodded.

Unless it was about work, the man didn’t say much.

“I appreciate you walking me home.” Night had fallen, and while I didn’t think I was in any danger, I’d appreciated Caden walking me home.

“It’s what Ro wanted.” Caden glanced at my house.