Page 4 of Wild Desire

He cocked a brow as he leaned against the back wall and held the crutches in one hand. "What do my brothers want you to do?"

"They want me to ensure you attend your therapy sessions and eat healthy."

He shook his head. "You're a glorified babysitter."

"I'm here to give you whatever you need. I can run errands, make phone calls, and answer emails. I've never had a position like this before, so just let me know what you need, and I'll do it. I'm a hard worker."

Killian's eyes flashed with heat, and I wondered if he'd read something else into my offer. I had to remember he hadn't kissed me back. His lack of interest in me, couldn't have been clearer. I'd seen the women he spent time with on the circuit. I couldn't compete.

I'd never been allowed on the penthouse floor where the family reserved rooms. When I was a child, I'd always imagined it was extravagant, something way better than we could ever hope to experience.

I tried not to feel less than around Killian and his family, but it was hard not to. He had access to things that I could only dream of experiencing. He lived in a hotel, and I'd only ever cleaned one with my mother.

When the door opened, I waited for him to precede me, but he gestured for me to go first. The Wildes were gentlemen. I paused, waiting for him to show me which door was his for the duration of his stay.

He scanned his card in front of the last door on the left. When the light blinked green, he gestured for me to go first.

He stepped inside and winked. "I finally have you in my room."

2

KILLIAN

Ilet her precede me into the room, mainly because I didn't want her watching me struggle with the crutches. I hated feeling weak and dependent on others.

Plus, it gave me a few seconds to admire her silhouette in that red dress. I remembered her having an athletic body when we were kids, but she'd grown into womanly curves. Curves I wanted to trace with my hands.

Her eyes were wide as she took in the accommodations. It was a condo that I used whenever I was in town, a place to rest my head for a night or two before I headed back to my life. I was used to traveling and staying in various hotels. Nothing about this condo was different from any of the others, except this one had oversized framed photographs of me and my brothers on the slopes lining the walls. "I can't remember whose idea it was to blow up our pictures and put them on the walls."

"They're impressive."

Something about her tone made me think she was less than impressed. I hobbled over to the fridge. "Would you like something to drink?"

"Water. But I can get it." She brushed past me, reaching for a water bottle. "I'm the one who ordered your groceries. Your assistant, Riley, sent an email with your requirements." The wordrequirementswas said somewhat snidely.

"Riley knows exactly what I need. We've worked together for a long time."

Noelle's lip curled slightly. "Of course, she does."

"You want to sit for a minute? We can talk about my expectations." I couldn't help but resort to the way I acted around those who worked for me. I was aiming for professional in order to create distance between us. It was necessary after my reaction to her tonight and the time she sat in my lap when I played Santa a few weeks back.

Noelle sat on the edge of one of the armchairs in front of the large screen TV and fireplace.

My knee was aching, so I took the couch and propped my leg onto the cushions next to me. I let the crutches fall to the floor, making a clattering noise. I'd regret that later when I had to lean over to grab them, but all I could think about was the ache in my knee. My hand instinctively massaged the leg muscles above it.

Noelle rose, setting the crutches against the edge of the couch within my reach. "I'll grab you an ice pack."

I nodded, attempting to breathe through the pain.

She returned with an ice pack, a water bottle, and two pain pills. "I figured you could use these."

I almost argued with her, but the truth was, I was in pain. It was a long day hanging out with my family, ending with the charity event.

She balanced the ice pack on my knee, then handed me the water bottle and pills.

"Thank you." It should have felt weird having her wait on me. She'd been a friend when we were younger. Then there was that kiss. I hadn't let myself think about that in a long time.

Noelle flashed a tight smile. "Just doing my job. Do you need me to be physically present, or would you prefer to send me texts or emails with things you need?"

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