Page 13 of Bradford

9

FLORENCE

My neck still aches,but it's not as bad as yesterday. I think the heating pad and painkillers helped relieve some of the tension. I'm still in shock about the whole thing. Much as I want to believe the attack had something to do with Bradford, I don't think it did. I have a terrible feeling it had to do with my ex-boyfriend, whom I haven't seen in a long time. He was trouble, which is why we broke up. I like a quiet life.

Now that Daniel has popped into my head, I need to check with the detectives to see if they have spoken to him. However, I don't relish the thought of Daniel coming after me for talking to the cops about him.

The sound of voices in the main part of the suite catches my attention as I get up from the bed. I'd actually slept like a log last night, only waking twice for a drink of water. My footsteps are quiet on the marble floor as I make my way out of the bedroom.

A large man sits at the table with Bradford. All I can see is the man who attacked me. I go cold, and I vaguely hear Bradford calling my name. Blood rushes in my ears, and I feel cold and dizzy. I gasp for breath when hands cup my face and pulls me against a warm body. "Florence, you're safe. I promise. Slow your breathing to match mine. You're safe, baby." Bradfordkisses my forehead and keeps his lips there. "Just concentrate on breathing with me, okay? I've got you."

As I cling to him, my breathing gradually slows until I'm breathing in time with him. My senses start to come back, and I'm embarrassed. I had a panic attack. That's what it was. I've never had one before, but I've helped people overcome them. I slowly lift my face to look up at Bradford, who is nearly a foot taller than me. I offer him a wry smile. He smiles back and brushes a few strands of hair from my face. Then, he dips down and gently kisses me. A rush of desire pools in my lower belly. If only the other man wasn’t here.”

Still holding me close, Bradford turns, and I'm faced with the man who caused my panic attack. "Florence, this is Dodge. He's a security expert that my dad arranged." Bradford smiles. "His sometimes partner is married to a friend of mine: Rhodes Hallen. He's on the team."

"Hello there, Florence."

"Hi." I take a deep breath and admit, "You reminded me of the guy who attacked me."

Dodge winces. "I'm sorry about that. It wasn't my intention."

Bradford leads me to the table and to my surprise he tugs me onto his lap and wraps his arms tightly around me. I sigh and rest my head in the crook of his neck. "It's not your fault." I offer the man a small smile.

“So, the man who attacked you was a big guy like me?”

"Yeah."

"Did you notice anything else?" Dodge smiles. "I have a copy of the police report, so anything that's come back to you between then and now."

"No." I shake my head. "He was a big guy, dressed all in black. He seemed very angry. Tense." I take a breath, knowing that I must share my thoughts about the attack. "I think my ex-boyfriend needs to be investigated."

I feel Bradford tense up, then relax again. "You think he attacked you?"

"No, he's the wrong size. But I kicked Daniel out of my apartment when I found out he'd stashed drugs there. He was also cheating, which I discovered at the same time. I wanted nothing to do with them—or him. He occasionally calls me, but I've blocked his number. Maybe those men were looking for something Daniel left behind." I shrug and move from Bradford's embrace, sliding into the chair beside him. I take his hand and intertwine our fingers, so he doesn't think I'm rejecting him. “I did mention him to the detectives.”

"I'm meeting them downstairs in ten minutes. I’ll follow up with them. What’s Daniel’s surname?” Dodge asks.

"Daniel Dillon. If the detective doesn't recognize the name, tell him Daniel has a dragon tattoo on his right arm. It's a gang tattoo, I think. That should tell them where to find him.” I rub my arms to warm up after the sudden chill washes over me. Bradford stands, grabs a throw blanket from the couch, and drapes it around my shoulders before sitting back down. I offer him a smile, wondering what will happen between us. He lives in Boston. I live in Vegas, where I have a job that I love and an upcoming chance of promotion.

Dodge rubs his chin thoughtfully before speaking. "I want us to leave for Boston later today, or tomorrow at the latest. Take the threat away for now."

I shake my head. "Bradford can't travel yet.”

"I'll be fine." He glances at Dodge. "I was thinking of asking my dad to send his company jet for us. He offered.” I'm going to ask him. It'll be much easier for me to travel that way." He winces and looks at me. "I don't usually flaunt my father's wealth. That isn't me. But I need to know that you're safe, Florence. I know you have work, but if you explain what's going on, surely they will let you take a few days off."

My nerves flutter at the thought of spending a few days with Bradford. He holds my gaze while I contemplate the consequences for my heart if I go with him. I take a deep breath and finally nod, accepting his offer. "I'll talk to my boss and see about taking some vacation days,” I reply. I feel a mix of apprehension and excitement at the prospect of spending more time with him.

His shoulders relax at my words. I notice Dodge glancing between the two of us before rolling his eyes, shaking his head, and smirking. "I'm going to meet the detectives." He disappears, and Bradford chuckles.

"He's a good guy." Taking my hands, he adds, "I'm sorry he scared you."

“It wasn't intentional." I offer him a wry smile. “Let me call my boss.”

"Hmm," Bradford mumbles, his eyes on my mouth. Then, his gorgeous blue eyes look into mine. He brings his face closer to mine, hesitates, and then leans in to kiss me. I feel a rush of warmth at his touch and my heart skips a beat. The kiss is gentle yet full of promise, leaving me breathless and wanting more. As we pull away, Bradford whispers, "I've wanted to do that since we met."

My job and the chance of promotion are pushed to the back of my mind as I reach out and cup his face. I close the gap between us and press my lips against his. My mouth brushes along his lips causing shivers of delight go straight to my belly. His hands move to my waist, pulling me to my feet and wrapping me in his arms as the kiss deepens. In that moment, everything else fades away, and I can only focus on the aroused man pressing against me.

His tongue slides against mine, igniting a fire within me that I never knew existed. Our bodies move in sync, the desirebetween us growing with each passing second. When he pulls away, breathless and flushed, I realize we have an audience.

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