Page 7 of Rescuing Sophia

Her curious gaze sweeps over all six-foot-three of me, and I can’t help but imagine her lingering below my belt as her eyes make a languid journey down to my boots, then back up again.

Did she lick her lips?

Fuck. Now I’m hallucinating shit.

She glances around the sterile hospital room, her gaze lingeringon the plain white walls and the uninviting bed. A flicker of disappointment crosses her eyes.

“I’m so tired of hanging out in this hospital room, but beggars can’t be choosers.”

She thinks she’s stuck here indefinitely.

“No. Not at all.” I rush to her, my hand instinctively reaching out to touch her shoulder. The instant spark of connection sizzles through me, a rush of heat and desire that nearly takes my breath away. “You’re not stayinghere. We have quarters for you, a place where you can be comfortable.”

Her eyes widen, fear giving way to relief and gratitude that softens her features. With a simple touch, the connection between us deepens, the air now charged with undeniable electricity.

“This is a dream.” A smile brightens her face, filled with hope and a touch of uncertainty. “I’m grateful and blown away. Please tell me this isn’t a dream.”

“Not a dream, sweetie. This is real.”

“Wow. I want to kiss you right now.” Her gaze lingers on my lips, sending my pulse racing. A flood of warmth shoots straight to my groin.

Nope. Not headed down that path.

Be professional.

I clear my throat, forcing a casual tone. “How about we bust you out of this joint, and I show you to your new quarters?” As I reach out to help her, a fresh jolt of awareness surges through me.

“I’d love that.” She rises slowly, her movements naturally sensual. As she loops her arm through mine, her fingers lightly brush my bicep, sending a shudder through my heart.

“Wow, muscles on top of muscles.” She squeezes my arm, then trails her fingers from my shoulder down to the back of my hand. “Quite impressive.”

I swallow hard, my pulse quickening.

Be professional.

Yeah right. I’m giving myself ten-to-one odds this won’t stay professional at all.

THREE

Blake

We leaveSophia’s hospital room and make our way outside. She stays close, clinging to me, her hand wrapped around my arm, her body pressing against me with every step.

“Tell me more about the Facility.” Her voice fills with genuine curiosity. “It sounds amazing.”

“It’s a secure place where we help those we rescue to recover. We offer counseling, medical care, and a safe environment to start rebuilding their lives. There’s even a school.”

“A school?”

“Yeah, some of them are kids. Too many.” I clear my throat, trying to shake off the weight of my words. “I’ll get you whatever you need—clothes, food, anything. Just tell me, and I’ll make it happen.”

“Wow, like my own personal protector.”

“Just someone to help. We find it’s easiest if you have one person to turn to, but don’t feel obligated?—”

“Not feeling obligated. I’m feeling all kinds of grateful. It still doesn’t feel real.”

As we exit Medical, I steer her toward a waiting golf cart. “You’ll find these all over HQ.” I gesture to a cart. “The carts are for anyone’s use and are handy to have around.”

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