Page 66 of The Woman

Thomas nods, absorbing what I said while he continues staring at the apparently interesting section of the floor.

The gentle flow of water trickling down the wall is a trick, giving an illusion of calmness in the room when it is anything but.

Finally, his golden-brown eyes land on me. “You’ve been the only person to truly give me a chance. You’ve done so much for me and never take credit for it; never ask for anything in return.” Straightening his shoulders, he adds, “Fuck it. I’m not going to say anything.”

I nudge the door to my office closed and return my attention to him, the knots in my stomach slowly starting to untangle.

“This isn’t something to be taken lightly, Thomas,” I point out.

“I know. I’ve made my decision.”

Crossing my arms, I stare him down, checking for any sign of deceit or uncertainty. “I need you to be sure.”

“As I said, I made my decision.”

“Then you better make sure you keep your mouth shut. No accidental slip-ups.”

“The way I see it,” he says, looking back and forth between me and Avery. “I didn’t see or hear anything to mention.”

I dip my chin at him. “I appreciate it.”

He turns and starts walking out but then stops a few feet from the door. “But seriously, how the fuck did this happen? Like, did you know when you got her?”

“Thomas,” I warn.

“Right, sorry.” He lifts his hands, palms face out. “Didn’t see anything.”

As soon as he’s gone, I jab my fingers into my hair and make my way to Avery.

“Fuck.”

Wrapping an arm around her waist, I pull her tight against me, letting her body calm me. She hasn’t said a word since I entered the room and still looks slightly terrified.

“I’m sorry,” she whispers. “I thought he was you. He didn’t knock, so I assumed, and I didn’t look before I started speaking. I’m sorry.”

I tilt her chin up to face me. “He knew I wasn’t in here, so there was no reason to knock. Just be aware of that now.”

She nods, her eyes drifting close. “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. Look at me.” I gently jerk her chin, and those big, beautiful eyes stare up at me. “I believe Thomas when he says he won’t mention it. It’ll be okay.”

“It just hit me how much you’re risking for me. I don’t know why now, all of a sudden.”

“It’ll be alright.” I lean down and kiss her lips, my body relaxing at the feel of her in my arms. “But I think maybe after the events of today, you should stay away from here for a while.”

For once, she doesn’t argue with me and simply nods in agreement.

Stepping inside my apartment, I watch as Avery slides off her sandals and starts walking across the foyer without a word. She still hasn’t returned to her usual self, and I don’t like it one bit.

Following behind at a distance, I try to think of something to take her mind off of things, perhaps ease some of the tension. I want to see her happy. I want that gorgeous smile of hers to return and have her feistiness back.

Yes, it was a close call today, but I trust Thomas to keep his word.

Twenty minutes later, I find Avery at the piano playing my favorite piece, the one with no name. Coming up behind her, I rest my palms on her shoulders and watch as her fingers glide across the keys while she finishes the final notes. Her movements are fluid and graceful, and it has me mesmerized every time.

“Come with me,” I tell her after she’s played the final note.

Rising to her feet, she turns to face me, tilting her chin. She blinks, and I’m relieved to find that shimmer of defiance that had dimmed over the last hour looking back at me.

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