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CHAPTER TEN

“I am what survives of me.” ~ Erik Erikson

Em

The second I heard the door click, I knew I’d be locked in. Part of me panicked, wanting to rush and grip the knob and pull with all my might to get free. I’d been locked into so many places lately. Then there was another part that almost wanted to take a breath and let it happen. Let Saros shield me, fight for me. Why? I didn’t know. I wasn’t worth a whole hell of a lot, but for some reason I was to him.

I relaxed on the couch and propped my leg up. That one had been my fault. While I was in the basement I’d heard voices from the kitchen, angry ones. I’d climbed the stairs to get a better listen. Ramsey had been angry with Saros. Not liking his power, called him greedy. I didn’t know who he was talking to, and maybe he’d forgotten I was so close.

He’d said he wasn’t the only one who wanted to put Saros in his place. He mentioned the night at The Sky and how he’d heard it was a failed attempt but not why. I was glad he didn’t know about me being there—I wasn’t sure I’d survive that conversation.

At one point, Ramsey must have punched the wall. It made me jump, and I fell down the stairs. I rolled away to the mattress and stayed there the rest of the time.

Saros’s office door opened and Cosmo walked in, he nodded at me. “You good? Need a drink?”

“I’m fine, can I leave?”

“You just sit tight, Em. Saros’s got you now.” I didn’t know what that meant. Cosmo went over to the desk, opened it, and took out what I assumed I was there to pick up, and left the office.

I don’t know how long I waited. Eventually the door opened, and this time Saros walked in. He was shaking his head, and there was no hiding that he was annoyed. When Ramsey got like that, I was sure to keep my eyes down and make myself as small as I could. I did the same now.

“Shit,” Saros mumbled. “Em, I’m not mad at you.”

I kept my gaze to the floor, and a pair of shiny shoes came into view. I couldn’t bring myself to lift my head.

“Em.” Then Saros was on his knees, his warm finger tipping my chin up. Once I met his blue eyes, I blinked. He was such a stunning man. Power, sex, and danger. His face broke out into a smile. “Hey.”

“Hi.”

“Are you hungry?”

I was starving. Ramsey had thrown an apple at me after he’d released me from the basement. He hadn’t given me any time to get any of the snacks I’d hidden, because I’d had to shower and dress to leave.

“No.”

“You’re a terrible liar.” He chuckled. “How about we get out of here? I’ll get you fed, looked over, and you can get a good night’s rest.”

I cocked my head. “Where would I be doing all of this, and why?”

His hand gently brushed over my cheek and dropped to my knee where it rested, heavy, warm, and safe.

“My house. And the why is because you saved me, Em, and I’m going to do the same for you.”

“You’re going to save me from what?” I was sure at some point Ramsey would tire of me and I’d be killed, but I was curious what Saros was thinking.

“Em, I’m not sure who you are. I literally can’t find a thing on you, and I’ve had one of the best hackers in the world digging.”

My eyes widened. “Is he still looking?”

Saros’s mouth hitched. “He is. But let me answer your question. I’m going to save you from the reason you hide from the world. I’m going to save you from a man who you seem to think has a right to do this to you.” He gestured to my hand and leg. “Ramsey Brookes is a powerful man, but going up against me, he won’t be able to win.”

A sudden urge to be brave hit me like a ton of bricks, and I hoped I didn’t regret this. “He’s not alone.”

Saros’s brows furrowed. “What do you mean?”

I winced, thinking about what Ramsey would do to me if he knew what I was about to do.

“Em, you’re safe with me, I promise.”

I don’t know why but I believed him. “Ramsey hates you.”

“A lot of people do.”

“No, I mean, his sole purpose in life is to be the one everyone cowers to. Right now you hold that title. I…” I swallowed.

“Go on, Em.” Saros smiled.

“I heard him the other day, I don’t think he realized I was there. He was talking to someone, could’ve been on the phone, I’m not sure. Saying how he wanted to take you down. How the last attempt failed but they didn’t know why. I don’t think Ramsey is the one who ordered it, but he clearly knew about it. He was saying how others wanted to dismantle you, that they’d come together.”

Saros pursed his lips and sighed. “Thank you, Em. That must not have been easy to tell me.”

He stood and held out his hand. “Let’s get you to my house and taken care of.”

“There’s more.”

He nodded curtly. “You can tell me later. For now, I want to take care of you.”

“Why am I so special?”

He tilted his head. “Why have you not been special to anyone else before now?”

I didn’t know what to say to that. I only wished to be rescued, and Saros had offered two other times previously. I’d deserve anything and everything that happened to me if I didn’t take his hand and go with him.

I took a deep breath and slipped my hand in his.

“There you go.” He carefully lifted me, taking on most of my weight. “Want me to carry you?”

“I most certainly do not.”

He chuckled. “Offer is there if you want it.”

When he opened the office door, Cosmo was there. He smiled at me and started walking. I heard footsteps and looked behind me and saw that guy Benny behind us. Once we entered the club area, which was super busy, more men joined us until Saros and I were ensconced in a bubble of huge guys.

I was able to see between them briefly and met the eyes of Brandi the bartender. The sneer she wore reminded me how many dangerous people surrounded Saros. I hoped none of these men around us were any of them. Another quick glance revealed that Hess was nowhere to be seen either.

Inside the huge-ass SUV, I turned to Saros. “Why so much protection—is it because of what happened at The Sky?”

“Partly.”

“What’s the other part?”

He smirked. “You, Em. I’m not taking any chances.”

A lump formed in my throat, and I had to turn and face the window so Saros couldn’t see my tears. No one had ever given a shit about me, let alone put people in front of me to keep me safe.

How could a man who barely knew me care so much? I tried not to think of it and listened to Saros talking to Benny and Cosmo, who were in the SUV with us. The other guys had to be in a different one or maybe they’d stayed back at the club.

I rested my head against the cool glass and let the voices calm me. Next thing I knew, I was fast asleep.