Page 108 of Stormswept Colorado

Then he smashed his fist into Paul’s face.

THIRTY-FOUR

Teller

The momentmy knuckles connected with Paul Ruxton’s chin, chaos erupted. People rushing into the room behind me, shouting.

But all I could see was Ayla.

She stared at me with wide, shocked eyes. “You’re really here? Teller. Oh my God. How? When?”

“Just now.” My cab had only pulled up to the address of the recording studio about five minutes ago. “I’ll explain everything later.” I caught her and hugged her when she launched herself into my arms. The sweet scent of caramel filled my nose like a drug.

Mine.

But just as quickly, she was wrenched away from me, and I found myself shoved against the wall. Some huge security guy yanked my arms behind my back.

Ayla’s manager Cheryl had followed me in, shaking her head. “Landry, I told you to wait. This isn’t helping.”

This was one of the more reckless things I’d ever done. Not just showing up in Los Angeles unannounced to visit one of the most famous singers in the world. But also, the part where I’d just rearranged a rich recording executive’s face.

“I’m bleeding,” Paul whined, cupping his split lip and sore jaw. “I want him arrested!”

Another security guard was trying to lead Ayla out of the room, but she scrambled away. “Then I want Paul arrested too,” she snapped. “For harassment and assault.”

I turned my head to glare at Paul. “You’re lucky you’re still breathing.”

“Everyone heard that, right? He’sthreatening me.”

Cheryl waved her hands in the air. “Everyone,calm down. Before some paparazzo figures out what’s going on in here and news vans start forming a parade down Wilshire Boulevard. None of us needs that.”

A few minutes later, somebody led Paul away with a bag of ice on his face. Cheryl ushered me and Ayla down the hall and shoved us into a posh sitting area. “Both of you, wait here. Let me sort this out.”

“This is not Teller’s fault. He was defending me. Paul tried to kiss me last night, and today he was trying to intimidate me into staying quiet.”

“That’s what you wanted to discuss with me? Shit on a stick.” Cheryl dug her manicured fingers into her perfectly styled hair. “Just stay here and give me a chance to untangle the mess. Okay?”

We sat heavily on the couch, sinking into the cushions. Ayla leaned into me. She reached for my hand, examining my knuckles, which were swelling up. At least the skin hadn’t broken. I’d only gotten in one punch.

“Oh, Teller. I’ll go ask for some ice. They better not have used it all on Paul.”

“No, I’ll worry about my hand later. I need to hold you, sweetheart.”

“I need that too.” She buried her face against my chest. “I’m supposed to be the troublemaker, not you.”

I wrapped her in my arms and kissed her hair. “Yeah. But I’d do anything for you.”

“Like suddenly teleporting almost a thousand miles right when I need you most?”

“You’d have dealt with Ruxton like you did last night.” Though of course, I hated that she’d had to face that without me. “Don’t sell yourself short.”

“I don’t. But Idoneed you. You have no idea what a relief it is to have you here. To be able to touch you.” Her thumb traced over the scar on my cheek.

“I’ve got a pretty good idea, based on what I’m feeling.”

“How did you get here? I could’ve sworn you were in your house in Silver Ridge when I went to sleep a few hours ago.”

“Really want me to explain it all now? Or do you want me to kiss you?”

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