Page 11 of Bradford

I roll to my stomach and shakily push myself up to my knees. Smith huffs out a breath, but then he wraps his arms around me and helps me stand. My legs feel weak and unsteady, especially when he releases me. I stumble forward slightly, but Bradford catches me and pulls me close. "I've got you."

Tears prick the corners of my eyes as I lean into his embrace, feeling safe and protected. I clench my fists at the back of his shirt, wanting to stay in his arms, but knowing I can't. "I need to sit down," I admit, coughing.

With a pounding head and shaky legs, Bradford leads me to the sofa, gently lowering me onto the cushions. He follows me down. He takes my hand and intertwines our fingers. A smile edges my lips as I lean my head back. I close my eyes and try to calm the storm of emotions raging inside me. The warmth of his hand in mine brings me some comfort, but I can't shake the lingering feeling of dread.

"Sip this."

I open my eyes to find Smith holding a bottle of water out to me. I take it gratefully and sip slowly, letting the cool liquid soothe my parched throat. "Thank you." I rest my aching head against Bradford's shoulder, closing my eyes as I continue, "I think it was two men. I didn't recognize their voices. I surprised them because I should have still been on shift. One came at me, and as I tried to run, he grabbed my neck."

"I can see that, Florence," Smith says. "Did they say what they wanted?"

"No." I open my eyes and glance around my ransacked apartment. "I tossed the vase at the big guy. The one who strangled me." I sip the water. "I think my throat is swollen."

"The paramedics are here," Walker says.

I cling to Bradford's hand as he tries to free himself to make room for them. "Stay," I whisper, sounding needy. I’m scared right now. It's only now sinking in that Bradford is here with me. Just when I need him. I frown as the medics confer with each other. "How are you with me?" I ask Bradford.

Before he can answer, one of the medics says, "We're going to take you in. You need to have a doctor check you out.” He smiles. "Your boyfriend can travel with you."

"That's good," Bradford says, helping me to my feet. I notice the wince he tries to hide, but I don't let on.

"You're supposed to be resting." I say to one of the medics, "A week ago, he got hit by a car and dislocated his shoulder. He also got shot while he was in the hospital."

"Oh, man! I heard about that. You shouldn't be helping her." He frowns and moves Bradford out of the way. "I've got her. You follow."

The disgruntled look on Bradford's face makes me chuckle, which turns into a groan. "That hurt."

"Talk as little as possible. Give your throat time to heal,” the medic says.

8

BRADFORD

I'mglad to be leaving the hospital for the second time in a week. I really hope this time is the last. Florence rests her head on a pillow in my lap while she sleeps, and I watch over her. I was overcome with fear when I arrived at her apartment to find her lying motionless on the floor.

There was no sign of the man who hurt her. What were they looking for? If the shooting has to do with my father, why search Florence's apartment? That makes no sense. We’re not even dating yet. Is there more than one thing going on? I'm sure that has crossed the detectives' minds. It's certainly a puzzle.

I softly stroke Florence's hair as she sighs contentedly. I'm happy to have her with me. I thought she would argue when I suggested she come back to the hotel with me. But thankfully, she agreed without hesitation. I feel protective of her and hate that she might have been targeted because of me.

I fiddle with my phone, knowing I must call my father to find out what’s going on. Brad Winchester is a ruthless businessman, so I guess he messed with the wrong person.

Not wanting to disturb Florence, I send him a message.

Me: Why did thugs nearly choke my girl to death?

He never replies immediately, but three dots appear in the message window.

Dad: What are you talking about?

Me: Her home was ransacked, she was attacked, while another guy kept me busy at the hotel where I'm staying.

Dad: That has nothing to do with me!

Me: The guy who held me up said I had you to thank.

Dad: I’ll call you in ten minutes.

I sigh heavily and smile softly when I see Florence looking up at me. "Hi."

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