Page 19 of Cruel Hero

I close my eyes, my mind racing. The rational businessman in me sounds warning bells. Getting involved could jeopardize everything I’ve built. But despite everything, despite her pushing me away, I wouldn’t do for Tiffany.

I’m potentially stepping into a minefield, but for her, I’m willing to take the risk. That familiar tug in my chest, the one that always seems to lead me back to her, grows stronger.

“I will ask my assistant to come and bring you up to my office. I think it would be better to discuss this in person.”

As soon as Tiffany steps into my office, I can’t help but notice her disheveled state. Dried blood smears her face, and scratches mar her usually flawless skin.

It looks like she’d been through hell and back.

“Close the door,” I instruct Diane. “If someone comes looking for me, say that I’m not available and get a doctor immediately.”

“No need for a doctor,” Tiffany interjects. “Please.”

She looks away, embarrassed, and I concede. “No doctor for now, thank you, Diane. Cancel my appointments for the rest of the afternoon. No calls, no interruptions. Understood?”

Diane nods, her gaze lingering on Tiffany before she closes the door behind her.

I approach Tiffany cautiously, scanning for any injuries on her body.

“Tiffany,” I say, my voice soft. “What happened?”

Slowly and carefully, as if testing the waters, Tiffany reaches out to touch my face, lightly tracing her fingertips over my cheekbone. I shut my eyes, savoring the feeling of her skin against mine.

Tiffany’s lips quiver as she bites down on her bottom lip, her eyes pleading with me. “Can I... can I hug you?” Her voice is shaky and uncertain.

At a loss for words, I simply open my arms. She steps into my embrace, her body trembling against mine. My arms wrap around her, pulling her close as if to shield her from the world.

Her scent fills my senses, a combination of lavender and vanilla that instantly calms me. As we stand there in a gentle embrace, her tension dissipates, and she relaxes in my arms.

Taking a moment to assess her disheveled appearance, I absentmindedly run my fingers through her hair, trying to tame it as I whisper soothing words in her ear. A mix of blood and sweat mats her soft curls.

“We’ll talk about what happened.” I pull back so I can see her face. “But first, let’s get you cleaned up and see if there’s anything we can do for your injuries.”

Tiffany nods. She looks almost vulnerable as she reaches up to wipe away her tears.

I guide her over to my couch and help her sit down. I grab a damp cloth and wipe away the blood and grime from her face, being gentle with her scratches. She winces at the touch of the cloth, but she doesn’t pull away.

After cleaning her up, I examine her injuries, noting that they are superficial but still in need of attention. I fetch a first aid kit from my bathroom and sanitize her wounds, my hands steady. I’ve always been good at damage control, but this feels more intimate than anything I’ve ever done before.

While I work, Tiffany watches me intently. There’s a mix of longing and trust in her gaze that sends a spark of awareness through me. I try to push it aside and focus on my task, but the tension in the room is palpable; our bodies close, but not quite touching.

I finish applying the dressing on her scratches, securing them with medical tape.

“The scratches will heal and shouldn’t leave any scars. Just make sure you keep them clean and dry.”

Tiffany nods, her gaze still locked onto mine. “How have you been?”

I chuckle. “I’m afraid that’s my question to ask. I’ve been...” I pause, searching for the right words. “I’ve been trying to keep my distance.”

Her eyes soften. “I’m sorry, Adrien. I did not intend to cause you any pain. I was just...” she trails off.

“Just what?”

Tiffany takes a deep breath. “I missed you,” she admits. “And I panicked. And you were the one person I wanted to see.”

I take a step back, needing a moment to gather my thoughts. “I’ll get you some water.”

Her eyes follow me as I walk away.

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