Page 9 of Room One Hundred and Eleven

“Like with a needle?” Aiden goes nearly as pale as he was when he saw her about to get run over.

“Sir, would you like us to call an ambulance?” The woman behind the desk clings to the now-cracked marble as if her legs are barely sufficient to hold her up.

“Not necessary.” He waves her off.

Or would if we weren’t there to insist he’s looked after.

I take care of what’s mine, including him. And Knox. And now our beauty.

Except Poppy beats me to it.

“It’s not required if you let me check you out instead. Make sure you don’t have any signs of a concussion. And, yes, sew up that gash. It’ll only take a few sutures.” She surprises me by flirting with him. “You wouldn’t want to scar that pretty face, would you?”

It’s exactly the right approach to take with Aiden’s soft heart.

“You think I’m handsome?” His grin is lopsided. It also turns into a wince when the movement tugs on the ragged edges of his wound.

Knox is staring at me. Although he’s not saying a damn word out loud, I can read his expression clearly enough.Take the opportunity. Bring her home.

It wasn’t supposed to go this way. Still, I relent. “Knox, grab her stuff. Let’s take this upstairs.”

“Oh. You’re staying here too? I mean, of course you are. What else would you be doing in the lobby?” Her eyes widen, but she doesn’t object. She certainly doesn’t admit she knows there’s an exclusive sex club at the pinnacle of this high-rise. The curiosity shining in her warm eyes tells me she’s wondering if we know about it.

Hell, we’re founding members.

“Actually, we own a condo upstairs.” It’s not a lie. I don’t mention it takes up the entire thirty-sixth floor. We stay there when we’re going to be playing at the club or attending their private galas or the stage shows they sometimes put on.

“I’m not about to let you fuss over me here and draw even more attention.” Aiden shrugs. “If you want to patch me up, you’ll have to do it in private.”

He wants her in our clutches as much as Knox and I do.

“Right. Fine.” Foolish beauty. She should run while she still can.

Instead, she tries to follow Aiden but crashes against my chest once more.

So I rise and take her with me, holding her until she steadies and stands straighter. Though she only comes up to my chest, she seems a lot taller. Her illusion of independence makes me want to sweep her off her feet and coddle her that much more.

Damn, she really could have been injured badly. Or worse.

I refuse to let her out of my sight for one moment longer than I have to. If that means Aiden has to let her stitch him up, so be it.

“Take one for the team,” I hear Knox rumble beneath his breath.

Aiden groans.

It has nothing to do with the sting in his cheek. That doesn’t stop him from milking it when Poppy dotes on him. “Where does it hurt?”

It’s quick, but I see his gaze flick to his groin. Thankfully, she doesn’t notice.

“I’m more worried about who’s going to checkyouout.” Aiden finger-combs her long, thick auburn waves back into place.

Knox raises his hand. “I volunteer.”

Aiden shoves Knox’s shoulder. It’s not enough to budge the guy.

Help us all, Poppy laughs at the goofball’s dumb joke.

“I’m fine. You kept me from hitting my head or getting flattened by the cart or the bags.” She smiles at Aiden. The urge to bite his neck to remind him who he belongs to, and that we’re going to share this beauty, is overpowering.

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