Page 27 of Unspoken Promises

I feel a long night coming on; one where I take that cloned employee account and find something earth-shattering— something that will make my controlled, grumpy boss jump right out of the form-fitting polo of his.

10

I only just climb intobed and settle into my book after Town Hall when my front door sounds like a hurricane is pounding it down.

The hell? I flip over my cell to check if there are any texts from my family. Nothing… not from them or the guards or the stable hands, land maintenance. Nobody.

I throw off the covers and rush to grab some boxer briefs from my walk-in closet and slip them on, then take the Maglite flashlight I keep next to my bed to go downstairs. I don’t know how an intruder would slip past guards, why they would knock on my door to let them in or how I’d fare with a flashlight, even heavy as it is. The franticpounding has me racing down my staircase then slowing my steps, and eventually peeking through the window.

Ava?

I unlock the door.

Ava’s eyebrows are pinched together, and she leans on the doorjamb. “I don’t feel right.”

I push the door open further. “Come in.”

She enters my foyer. She’s not standing tall, and her voice is strained.

"Are you okay?”

“Not really. I think it could be bad. My throat is really tight.”

I take her by the arm and pull her deeper into the living room, shutting the door with my foot. “Do you need a doctor?

“I don’t have health insurance.”

I overlook the obvious reason she hasn’t gotten on the company policy. It’s not the time, her face is twisted in pain.

“Insurance isn’t an issue, Ava. If you need medical attention I’ll make it happen.”

“I just… my throat is kind of tight and itchy, and my back… it’s burning and so sore.”

I help her down gently on my couch and kneel next to her. Fuck, her cheeks are really flushed, and I know the woman has luscious lips, but they’re puffier than usual.

“I’m sorry I came. But I just don’t feel normal. I’m kind of dizzy.”

“What do you think it is?” I wipe hair that’s stuck to her forehead.

“Will you check my back, please? That’s the worst of all. It’s just…” She writhes her shoulders, and the sunshine has well and truly drained from her face.

“Do you want me to get my dad?”

“Enzo… I came here…” There’s a sort of plea in her eyes and something else in her gaze.

My heart hits the terracotta tiles. She trustsme.

She lies down on her stomach, facing down. Her swan-like neck is elegant, enticing. Ready for a set of teeth.

I have to remind myself she was right to trust me when she wiggles up her shirt to expose her mid-back without flashing me completely. The problem is right where her bra strap would have been. The side of her full breast spills out and presses into the cushion of my couch.

“Is there something there? In the middle of my back it really burns. There weren’t the right mirrors in the house to see for myself.”

There’s an angry-looking raised set of hives right in the middle of her spine.

“Shit. Did something bite you?” I ask, my fingers wanting desperately to soothe her.

“Wait. What is it?” Her voice is muffled into the pillows.

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