Page 8 of Sofa King Safe

"Hey now."One of Rhodes's hands cups my cheeks.My expression must say it all."Everything is okay.You’re safe."

"Your handsarerough but gentle."Oh god, I said that out loud."That's not what I meant to say."

"Have you been thinking about my hands?"The corner of his mouth pulls up into a smirk.

"Maybe."Heat rushes to my face.Looks like I’m busted.

"Come on out now."He holds out his hands, and I let Boss jump down before taking them.

"All four tires don't go flat at once."

"No, they don't."Rhodes threads his fingers with mine."I cleared the house, and I'll show you the alarm later.Can I get the keys to your van?"

"They're in my bag.I forgot it in your truck."

"Are you okay with me going into your van and getting all your stuff?I want to bring it in the house."

"I can help."

"What I'd like is for you to take a seat and a few deep breaths."I want to protest, but his eyes are leaving no room for argument."Can you do that for me?"

This man is being so good to me, how could I possibly say no?

"Yes, I can do that for you."

"Thank you, sweetness."Rhodes slowly leans in, kissing the top of my head before heading back out the door.Boss follows him, so he leaves it open while I sit on the bench in the entryway.

It only takes Rhodes a few trips to bring all my stuff in, and once it’s done, he surveys my things."You're well organized."

Boss comes trotting in, and Rhodes closes the door behind him, flipping the lock.

"You have to be organized when living in a van," I say absently.My van might be neat, but my thoughts are a mess.

"I suppose so."Rhodes stuffs his hands in his pockets, and although he’s not asking me anything, I'm sure he wants to.

"My tires?"

"They appear to be slashed."

I nod, steeling myself.“I’m sorry you carried all my things inside.I should leave.”

As soon as I get to my feet, Rhodes folds his arms over his chest.“That’s not happening.”

“You can’t keep me here.”

“Your tires are slashed, sweetness.”Rhodes drops his arms, softening his tone.“And I don’t think you truly want to leave.”His green eyes stare into mine.“That’s fine if you would rather not admit that.I can be the asshole and say I’m making you stay.But I’m not taking you back to town tonight.”

“You’re not an asshole,” I whisper.

“But I will be if that’s what you need.”He steps closer.“What is it thatyouwant?Tell me,” he encourages.

“I want to stop running.”

“I think that’s a smart idea.When you’re here, you’re not alone.”

My eyes burn with tears.“I don’t want to pull you into this mess.He’s out of his mind.”

“You’re not pulling me into anything.I’m getting into it all on my own.”

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