Page 9 of Bella's Dom (The Doms of Madison County)

After Caden made sure the back door was secure, he maneuvered her into the elevator and pushed the button for his floor, and the doors closed. He’d let her go for a moment, but he noticed how she swayed before she stiffened. She was holding it together but barely.

Chapter Five

Bella gritted her teeth to keep them from chattering. The cold felt like it had seeped into her body and bones. Mix that with exhaustion, and she had very little strength to fight anything.

“So, your name is Bella?” Caden asked.

Bella nodded.

“I’m sure you caught it, but I’m Caden.”

Her jaw started to hurt because her teeth had been clenched together. “It’s nice to meet you. I’m sorry I’m being such a pain.”

“You’re not. I was awake anyway. I’m just glad I looked out my window and saw you.”

She nodded. She was, too. She hadn’t realized how cold she really was until she stepped into the building. The realization that she might have become frozen or hyperthermic gave her a stomachache, and tears burned her eyes. She was embarrassed when, once again, she hadn’t made the right choice, and it could have cost her life.

“This way.” After the elevator stopped, he led her to one of the doors on the top floor. “This is my condo.”

“Oh.” She tried to stop dead in her tracks, but he continued to pull her along. “No. I can’t ask you to take me into your home. Isn’t there a room I can stay in?”

She could tell he wasn’t going to listen to her when he rolled his eyes.

“You’re staying here, Sweetheart. So, don’t argue.”

“But…”

He cupped the side of her face. “Enough, Bella. I’m going to take care of you whether you like it or not.”

Her mouth opened and closed a few times before pressing her lips together.

“Good girl.”

She had no idea why tingles raced up her spine when Caden talked in a deep, dark tone and why she was happy she had pleased him.

“The condo has two bedrooms. Fortunately, I have the guest room all ready to go.”

Bella nodded and then gasped when she got her first look as they walked into the room. The room was big enough for a king-size bed, nightstands, a dresser, and a cushioned chair in the corner. The colors were light grays with splashes of tans and muted colors on the pillows, comforter, and chair. Just that bit of color made the room warmer and more appealing.

“Will this be okay?” he asked.

She turned to face him and smiled. “Yes. It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

She watched him stare at her eyes and blushed.

He grinned when he saw her cheeks turn crimson. “I’m sorry to stare. I remember your eyes being green but not so light.”

“Remember from where?”

“The diner a few days ago,” he said.

She had thought he looked familiar, and now she knew why. She hadn’t been able to get the man out of her head for long until her fight with her brother.

“I remember you.”

He nodded. “Good. Now, tell me how you got the bruise on your forehead?”

She stiffened and looked away. “I … well…”

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