Page 85 of Damaged

“Hi.”

“How are you feeling?” James asks, walking closer to me. There’s concern in his eyes. Genuine hurt at seeing me damaged.

“I’m a little dinged up,” I say, and my insides go watery and my breath stutters as James sets a hand on my belly. I try to meet his eye, but he won’t look at me. He gently lifts my shirt to see my stomach himself.

He stares for a moment, looking tortured.

“I’m fine.”

Our eyes meet, and he lowers my shirt gently. “I’m sorry.”

“You saved me, James. You have nothing to be sorry for.”

He goes quiet, and for just a moment, I wonder if he’s about to tell me the whole story. But his lips stay shut. I can’t keep silent for much longer. My questions burn. “Have you talked to the police?”

James nods. “Yes. And my lawyer. Practically all night. It’s all being taken care of. However, you’ll have to give a statement.”

“Of course… but where are we?”

“Lake George. Near the border with Vermont.”

“Oh. That was a long drive.”

“You slept through the whole thing. You were in shock.”

“And we’re safe here?”

“You’re always safe with me, okay? No one even knows I own this place. I had it purchased through an investor of Aquarius. It’s essentially a safe house.”

“Okay. I need someone to check on Steve.”

“My housekeeper, Annie, brought him up to my apartment. She got his things and everything. You should rest here for a few days. Try not to worry about a thing.”

That does make me feel quite a bit better. “Thank you.” I stretch and look out the door. “Can I see the rest of this place?”

“Sure. But…” James suddenly looks guilty. “I don’t have any women’s clothes here. So…” He points to a white T-shirt and a pair of sweatpants that have been set on the wooden dresser. “I cut the pant cuffs to length. I think they should fit if you tie the waistband extra tight. We can run to town later today.”

“Thank you,” I say and pat his chest. We’re practically face-to-face, and I tilt my chin up an inch in that tell-tale sign that sayskiss me.

James hesitates, long enough to make me worry. But he eventually brings his lips down to mine. He kisses me so tenderly, it’s like he’s afraid I might break.

“I’m okay,” I whisper. “I’m not damaged. I promise.”

“I didn’t say you were.” He looks at me hungrily and moves in again and kisses me harder. It’s like a stab when he finally pulls back. “But you’ve got to heal up, snowflake.”

I hold on to his big hand and move my thumb across his fingers. “They’re just bruises.”

“I can’t see them,” he says, shaking his head, and touches my stomach and shoulder gently. “They make me too furious. I let you down…”

“You letmedown? James, they got away with all the artifacts, didn’t they?”

He shrugs. “All that shit is insured.”

“Still.”

“I couldn’t give less of a damn about possessions right now. It’s you I care about. Now…get dressed. You should get some food in you.”

“And can you cook?” I ask.

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