Page 82 of And Then Came You

But he isn’t angry, at least not at me. Stripping off his clothes, he slides behind me in the tub, pulling my body flush against him. “Let’s try it this way.”

“Better.” The fight drifts out of me, and I relax against his chest, letting his hands and the warm water seep into all my wounds.

After what feels like an eternity, the warmth wins, and the blood in my veins thaws. The only issue? Now the pounding in my brain is worse, and I wince at the increasing pressure.

“Caroline, is the doctor here?” Sam calls to his assistant, his ever watchful gaze focused on me.

“He just arrived.”

“Let’s get you checked out. I have to make sure that asshole didn’t cause any permanent damage.” With steadying hands, Sam helps me from the tub, wrapping me in a fluffy towel.

“I don’t need a doctor, Sam. It looks worse than it is.”

“See him anyway. For me?”

How can I refuse this man anything? Tonight marks the second time in less than a year that he’s come to my rescue.

With a sigh, I pad out to the living area to be examined. I notice the doctor, a kind older gentleman, is struggling to maintain a neutral expression. At least there are men out there who find this behavior despicable, even if I never manage to date any.

“My dear, what happened?” He opens his bag, pulling out antiseptic.

Let the good times roll.

From the corner of my good eye, I see Sam grab his coat as he converses with Caroline in low tones, his gaze jumping between me and the door.

Excusing myself from the torture the doctor calls cleaning, I hurry to Sam’s side. I need to catch him before he leaves, offer up at least one more apology. “I hope I didn’t ruin your night. I’ll be out of here as soon as the doctor finishes his examination.”

Sam is shaking his head before I finish my sentence. “No, you won’t. You’re staying here. Don’t argue with me.”

“But… you’re going out. What if you want to bring her back here?”

His green eyes widen, his head cocking at my statement. “Who might that be?”

“Your date for the evening. I feel awful, barging in here like this.Especiallylike this.”

His hands palm my face as his lips dust gentle kisses across my forehead. “There’s no one else, but I do need to leave for a little while.”

Then the realization strikes me. I know now where he is headed. “Don’t, Sam. Please don’t make trouble for yourself.”

“The only one in trouble is the son of a bitch who dared to lay a hand on you.”

“Sam,” I protest, but his decision is final. I don’t stand a chance of changing his mind.

“I’ll be back soon. Go finish with the doctor and then you and Caroline are going to watch some sappy movie and order room service. Deal?”

The idea of him getting into legal trouble because of me eats at my insides, but I know better than to continue arguing. When Sam makes up his mind, he won’t be swayed. “Be careful and hurry back.”

“Always. This time, I have a very special reason to return.”

Chapter Fourteen

Sam

My boys meet me in the lobby, their car idling outside.

Our destination? Gianni’s gallery, and I plan on having a conversation withboththese men about Lexi.

If I don’t kill Damian first.

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