Page 41 of Filthy Rich Bosses

“I will. Once we’re done.”

“No. Now, spitfire.”

“He’s right, Tess. It’s deep and you know how quickly these get infected. Go get it checked out. I’ll keep you updated on the situation.”

Her eyes blaze with defiance, but after a moment, she nods tightly, allowing me to steer her out of the house. The ride is tense, the air thick with unsaid words.

The whole way, she refuses to look at me, staring out the window with her jaw set, her injured arm cradled in her lap. I want to say something, to apologize maybe, but the words get stuck in my throat. All I can think about is the way she smiled at that guy, the way she didn’t hesitate to throw herself into danger for these animals.

I don't know whether I'm more pissed off at her for being so reckless or at myself for caring this damn much.

Chapter 18

Tessa

The harsh fluorescent lights of the ER make my eyes ache as I sit on the edge of the exam table, my newly bandaged arm cradled against my chest. The antiseptic smell burns my nostrils, and I am so ready to be out of here.

I glance over at Cole, who's pacing back and forth like a caged tiger, his brow furrowed and jaw clenched, and try not to roll my eyes.

"Cole, you're going to wear a hole in the floor if you keep that up," I say, trying to inject some levity into the tense atmosphere.

He stops abruptly, his intense gaze locking onto mine. "How can you be so calm about this? You were attacked by a dog!"

I can't help but roll my eyes. "It's not like it's the first time. That Rottweiler last year? Now that was a bite."

Cole runs a hand through his hair, mussing up his usually perfect style. "Are you—that doesn't—you could have been seriously hurt."

"But I wasn't," I counter, wiggling my fingers to prove my point. "Just a couple of stitches and a tetanus shot. No big deal."

He approaches me, his eyes softening as he gently takes my uninjured hand. "Spitfire, you have to be more careful."

My heart skips a beat at his touch, and I'm not sure how to respond. Why does he care so much? We barely know each other. I swallow hard, trying to ignore the warmth spreading through my chest.

"I appreciate your concern, Cole, but this is part of my job. Sometimes, rescuing animals comes with risks."

He sighs heavily, his thumb absently tracing circles on the back of my hand. I stare at our joined hands, a mix of confusion and something else I can't quite name swirling in my gut. What's his deal? Why does he seem so invested in my well-being? I was pretty sure he hated me until about twenty minutes ago.

Before I can overthink it, I gently pull my hand away and hop off the exam table. "Well, no need to worry anymore. I'm all patched up and ready to go. Maybe next time, I'll wear full body armor to my rescues, okay?"

Cole doesn't laugh at my joke, but the corners of his mouth twitch slightly. "Don't tempt me. I might just buy you some."

The ER doors burst open with a bang, startling me and making me jump. Chase comes barreling in, his hair wild and his eyes wide with panic. He spots me and practically sprints over.

"Kitten! Oh my God, are you okay?" he exclaims, his hands hovering over me like he's afraid to touch me. "I came as soon as I heard. What happened? How bad is it?"

I blink, taken aback by his intensity. "Chase, I'm fine. It's just a—"

Before I can finish, Grayson strides in, his presence commanding the room. His piercing blue eyes lock onto me, concern etched into his features. He turns to the nearest doctor, his voice low and authoritative.

"I want a full report on her condition. Now." He demands, "And I expect the best care possible. Spare no expense."

People actually do that in real life? I feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment. "Guys, seriously, it's not a big deal. I'm okay."

Chase grabs my uninjured hand, his grip tight. "Not a big deal? Kitten, you were attacked!"

"By a scared dog," I clarify, trying to pull my hand away. "It happens sometimes."

Grayson's brow furrows deeper. "We need to discuss your safety protocols. This is unacceptable."

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