Page 127 of It Starts With A No

“Clary!” Oliver extended his arm over the railing. “Give me your other hand.”

Detective Lowe joined Oliver, and soon they were pulling Clary back up.

Letting go of Clary’s bandaged hand, Seth got up and hooked his arms under hers.

As grateful as he was for Oliver’s and Detective Lowe’s help, once Clary was safe, Seth wanted her all to himself.

Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her against his chest. Her arms went around him, and she held onto him, shaking. “It’s okay,” he said. “You’re safe. You’re safe.” He cupped a hand over her hair. “I got you.”

“We helped.”

Seth ignored Detective Lowe.

“Get her inside,” the detective continued as she picked up the gun lying near them. “I can handle them.”

Seth shifted and scooped Clary up in his arms. “Stay with the detective,” he said to Oliver.

“I’m not a detective anymore.”

Seth frowned.

“If you’d just talked to Clary, you’d know.” The not-detective extended a hand toward Oliver. “Andrea Lowe, Clary’s new assistant.”

Seth had so many questions, but none was as important as getting Clary away from whatever was going on.

“They want the watch,” Clary said with her face buried in his neck.

“I have it.” He took a deep breath as he stepped into the mansion. He would have put her down, but as he thought about how close he came to losing her, he couldn’t make himself do it. “Why do you smell so good?” he asked as he took another deep breath, drawing in the calming floral scent.

It seemed ridiculous to be thinking about that right now, but his thoughts seemed to be all over the place.

“I just had a bubble bath.”

He laughed and cradled her closer. “I didn’t know you got a new assistant.”

“You weren’t talking to me.”

He sighed softly.

“You can put me down,” she said, finally lifting her head. “I’m fine.”

“I’m not.”

Her brows drew together. “Are you hurt? Where?”

“I’m not hurt.” But she probably was. Seth moved over to the couch and reluctantly set her down. Kneeling in front of the couch, he gently took her bandaged hand. He’d gripped so tightly onto her hand just now. “Does it hurt?”

There was no blood, but the bandage was thick.

“Not yet.” She sighed and stared blankly ahead. “I don’t feel anything right now.” She blinked twice before turning to him. “Thank God you showed up.”

Running his tongue under his teeth, Seth sat on the coffee table so he could face her. “I’m sorry I overreacted. Whatever you promised Edward Eolenfeld, that’s between you and him.”

Her lips disappeared between her teeth.

“No?”

“No.” She blew out a breath. “Mr. E made me promise not to confront you because he was worried you’d hurt me.”

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