Page 13 of Beg Me Angel

Clearing my throat, I tucked my hands deeper into my ribs, crossing one leg over the other. “I know what I found, and that was you all curled up, beaten and battered and left for dead. So I brought you back here. But that's it, I didn't see anything else.”

Resting the glass on the counter, her arm swiped mine, sending a static charge through my nerves and bristling my skin.

The simple touch, that accidental brush of skin to skin made me shiver. And I liked it, I liked it way too much. It was erotic and tempting, triggering my heart to leap inside my chest.

“How long have I been here?”

Taking a step away from her, I clutched the edge of counter top firmly in my fingers. “Four days.”

I watched the color drain from her face as her hands reached up and pulled her hair tight against her scalp. “Four days. . . Four fucking days?” Dropping her head into her chest, she closed her eyes. “Did you call the police or anything?”

“No.”

“And why not!?” Her neck snapped back, one hand shooting to her hip as it kicked out to the side. “You just left me in that room, you—”

Growling under my breath, I cut her off. “Stop right there, I didn't just leave you in there. I took care of you, I kept you alive. Don't you dare think I just dropped you in there and walked away.”

Vera's jaw hung open as her hands curled deeper into her hips. “Why didn't you call the police?”

“Look around, do you see a phone?”

“That's your excuse? That's your damn reason for not getting me any help?” Leaning forward, her shirt cradled her tits as they bounced. “Are you fucking kidding me?”

“Look—” Holding up my hand, I squared my shoulders. “I don't know who put you in my woods, I don't know who the fuck you are. The last thing I want is a bunch of cops nosing around my place and bringing any shit here.” Stepping in with a quick lunge, my body towered over her as I spoke through gritted teeth. “I don't need whatever bullshit you got involved with finding its way to me.”

Vera sucked in a breath, parting her lips as she eyed me. I wasn't trying to frighten her, that was the last thing I wanted to do. But I wasnotwilling to risk losing what I built for someone I knew nothing about, she needed to know that.

I helped her, can't she see that?

I could have left her right where I found her, but I didn't. Wasn't that enough to show her I had some form of feelings, of concern?

Stepping back, I cupped my chin and let out a sigh. “I'm sorry, it's just. . .” Stroking my jaw, my lips perched high. “I have no clue what you got yourself into, I just don't want it here. I have to look out for myself too.”

Softening her eyes, Vera's brows arched. “Can you tell me where the hell I am at least?” Stalking to the window in my living room, she pressed her face against the glass. “Where the fuck am I?”

I wanted to hug her, wrap her in my arms and tell her not to worry, that I planned on taking care of her, that I had promised her when I found her that I would fix this.

Only I didn't know what'this'was and right then, I could see she didn't either.

“You're in Whitinsville, does that sound familiar?”

“No.” Vera's hands slipped down to her sides, leaving long streaks on the clear glass. Her body loosened and deflated, rolling forward. “The only thing I remember is driving with my friend Sara, but I don't remember where—or why—or if—we were meeting anyone.”

“Well, you know who you are, so that's a good thing. We can figure the rest out.” Walking up behind her, I placed my hands on her shoulders. “But first you need to eat, you need to rest, you can't do anything before that.”

I felt her muscles tighten as my fingers curled over her collarbone and her breathing stopped. Through the reflection in the black glass, Vera's eyes lifted to mine. There was so much life in her gaze, so much sparkle in her eyes even if she wasn't trying to show it.

Hovering over the shell of her ear, I whispered. “I promise you, I'm not going to hurt you. All I want to do is help.”

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