Page 71 of Possess Me

When I took a step closer to Fallon, she pulled Bella closer, creating a wall between us and even took a step backward. It was impossible to tell whether she was more terrified of Ludolf accosting her or that I’d returned.

“Put your gun away, Vissarian. Please.”

After a few seconds, I did as she asked. I shoved my hands into my pockets, looking away briefly. “What did he say, Fallon? I need to know.”

“I have no clue.” Her voice was shaking.

“My mother taught me the importance of paying very close attention to people, especially in moments of duress. She believed that trained observation skills allowed for almost anyone to know when they were in danger or if something was wrong.” I returned my attention to her, taking a few seconds to stroke Bella, who extended a paw, gently placing it against my chest.

“What do you mean?”

She was genuinely terrified and confused. Maybe I was wrong about her involvement. Fuck. This was getting out of hand.

“It means you know exactly what he said to you. As I was just reminded, I can’t help you unless you talk to me.” Her entire face was furrowed, but her eyes told me she was as haunted as I was.Fuck. This wasn’t anything that I’d expected. “Fallon, we might not know each other, but you need to trust me. Even if you don’t, you will talk. I need to know who you are.”

“Who do you think I am?” Her look of confusion intensified.

The rain continued to fall, thunder rumbling in the distance.

“Someone the Hoffman Group has great interest in.”

“I don’t know that man. Other than yesterday, I’ve never seen him before. What does he want with me?”

“Maybe you haven’t seen him, but you are hiding something from me. I am possibly the only man who can help you. I’m definitely the only man who can protect you. If you talk to me.”

“Protect me? From what?”

“From the same people who want to destroy me.” At least I was being honest.

Her hold on Bella tightened. “If I trust you when I don’t even know you. Right? Why do men always spout off about trusting them? Usually, that means to follow them around blindly while they destroy you.” She closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. “I’m sorry, Mr. Dmitriyev. I should remember my place. We don’t know each other. You have your business and I have mine. Thank you, but I don’t need your help. I’ve told you before. I can take care of myself.”

God. Whatever the hell was going on appeared to have Fallon smack in the middle of it. Or perhaps vice versa. Was it possible she was as much in the dark as I was? I’d need to follow my instincts and right now, they were telling me whatever she’d been through only a couple of weeks before she’d been running from. Jeffrey had provided the perfect out.

The question remained if she’d been sent to encourage me into joining this brotherhood.

When I crowded her space, she tried to look away, but I cupped her face tenderly, rubbing my thumb across the bruise she’d done her best to cover. “Who hit you, Fallon?”

The hint of shock was quickly masked. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

How long had it been since I’d felt the need to be gentle with anyone? The pain I’d suffered had turned me into an angry man with zero patience. Even though a huge part of me remained concerned her sudden appearance had been a ploy, the thought of anyone touching her let alone causing harm kept me enraged for an entirely different reason.

“There’s a yellow bruise on your cheek, which means the brutal punch to your beautiful face was done ten to twelve days ago. The fact you’ve winced every time I’ve touched you indicates the hit was extremely savage. If I had to guess, I’d say done by a male.”

“You don’t think women can dole out brutal punches?”

“I think women can do anything they want, but dangerous men will stop at nothing to destroy anything and anyone who gets in their way.”

She jerked her head away, immediately touching her face. “Does that include you?”

The moment of tension was palpable. “There’s no reason to lie to you, Fallon. I’ve done some things I should regret.”

“Yet you don’t.”

“No, I don’t, but I had my reasons for doing them.”

Her mouth twisted and I could tell she was holding back saying something to me. “I can’t trust you, Mr. Dmitriyev. I’ll get you back to Miami safely, but I won’t consider being your pilot again.” She managed to open the door to her cottage, but before she could escape, I grabbed her wrist.

“There’s a reason you’ve been targeted by Ludolf Hoffman. He mentioned you were of importance.”