Page 17 of Dauntless

I blew out my breath. “Don’t tell me that. I may still take the money instead.”

“I understand that,” he replied evenly. “But let’s talk it out for either one of your choices. I can make some calls too. We can get top corporate lawyers and legal accountants to fix whatever you want to do. We can get PR consultants to work on your company brand. We should start now.”

“Dane, it’s the middle of the night,” I reminded him.

“But you’re not going to bed yet,” he replied. “I won’t keep you up long, but I bet you won’t be able to sleep until you fix it in your head. That’s how I’d be.”

I grinned. He was right. “Yes. All right, but you’re in the photo too.”

“I don’t care,” he replied. “Don’t worry about me. Now let me ask the first thing I wanted to when you called came in: how are you feeling?”

I swallowed hard. “Violated, stupid. Mostly angry.”

“I wish I was there with you,” he replied sympathetically. “I wish I had protected you more. You trusted me. If anything, it’ll prove that The Agency can’t be trusted. They’re keeping dirt on their members to use against them.”

I cleared my throat. “I’m done talking about them for now. How are you doing?”

“All right,” he answered. “Angel will be transferred to a hospital over here in New York City next week should the prosecutor decide not to pursue a case against her. I spent a couple of hours with Melinda today. Angel’s family are on my side. The results of the DNA test should take a week at most, but they are fighting to have her home with me.”

“I’m so happy to hear that,” I said cheerfully.

“Me too. It surprises me how much I’m taking to being a father… I want you here with me too, Gia.”

“Well, I might want to hide out in New York next,” I joked.

“Let’s work together to make whatever you decide your choice,” he responded.

Dane and I spent the rest of the call brainstorming a few scenarios and plans by phone. Afterward, Elliott came in and showed me to his office, and I got on it by sending emails. One to Stuart, to which he responded with a promise that he’ll give my plan an early start in the morning. Before I finished for the night, I sent a text to Astrid and my assistant informing them I’d arrive later in the afternoon. It wouldn’t all be solved in one night, but I had the workings of a solution. By the time I was finished, I was more than relieved. “Thank you so much, Dane. You’re amazing.”

“It’s a start,” Dane said modestly. He really was an incredible asset and a good friend besides a great lover. “Now go to sleep and please forgive Elliott.” As if on cue, Elliott walked in with a steaming mug in his hand when I hung up the call. He was so sexy in his sweats and T-shirt. I pressed my lips together and turned away. Stop looking.

“What’s that?” I frowned. “It’s too late for coffee.”

“Tea for sleep,” he answered with a straight face.

I scrunched up my face. “No, thanks.”

“It’s good the way I make it, promise,” he replied. “I’ve made up a guest room for you or…” he put the mug down on a wooden coaster on the desk.

I raised my brows. “Or what?”

“Or you could sleep with me,” he answered nonchalantly. “I don’t usually sleep with anyone, to warn you I snore and toss around all night.”

“Well if you put it like that.” I giggled, and he couldn’t keep his straight face for long and joined in with me. He wouldn’t sleep with Dane and me on the boat. Even though I was still mad at him, this meant something. “Your bed.”

“It’s good to see you smiling,” he added quietly.

I took a sip of the tea. It reminded me of chai tea, cardamom spice, and milk. I found it delicious.

His lips slightly turned upward. “See? I’m a jerk, but I make good things to drink.”

I smirked. “Yeah, you’re a jerk.”

“I did it because I care,” Elliott replied. His voice turning serious. “More than you know.” He lowered his head and walked toward the door.

My heart leaped, though I didn’t respond, I did get up to follow him back into the bedroom.

We changed for bed. I hadn’t brought along anything sexy, just a cotton tank and shorts to sleep in. I had a moment of self-consciousness that ended when I returned to the bedroom and saw Elliott. He was already there, stretched out on his back with the bedding turned down. He appeared deep in thought, having not reacted to my entry.

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