Page 94 of Fractured Future
“That’s not what I was doing,” Hyland rushes to assure, shaking his head. “I don’t think you’re weak.”
“But it’s my fault I was taken?”
“No! No. That’s not what I meant.”
“It’s what you said,” I argue hotly.
“It’s not what I meant. I just want to keep you safe.”
“You can’t protect me! Not from this!”
Still braced above me, his eyes are swirling with panic. It stokes the rage that fuels me even more. I’ll never let anyone talk shit without facing the consequences of their careless words.
“This is a case for you, but for me… this is my life. It’s the life that I couldn’t see a way out of for a very long time. It’s the life I survived.”
“I know.” Throat undulating, his deep tenor swells with emotion. “You deserve credit for that.”
“Then what’s your problem? I went to that warehouse for answers!”
He drops his eyes, breathing raggedly. “I don’t… I’m not…”
“Not what? Capable of admitting I can handle myself?”
“No…”
“Then what?” I press urgently. “Spit it out!”
“Em. Enough.”
“Just tell me! What is your problem?”
“I’m pissed because you put yourself at risk last night!” His hand slaps against the elevator wall beside me. “And I need you to be safe.”
“Because I’m your client? Your burden?”
“Because, you infuriatingly insane woman, I care about you!”
His words bounce around the inside of the elevator as I silently gape at him.
“I care what happens to you, Ember!”
Nope. Still not a word.
“Is that really so hard to believe?” He releases a strangled huff. “I care about protecting you from those traffickers. Clearly, I care too bloody much. As usual.”
The elevator dings when it reaches the top floor, but neither of us move to exit into the corridor. We’re suspended in an impenetrable bubble, the invisible boundary pulsating with anger and tension.
Hyland’s entire body seems to be vibrating. I’m shaking just as badly. Anger and shock collide hard enough in my chest to split the organ into individual atoms, but still, I can’t leave him.
“You want the truth?” He finally breaks the silence.
Throat constricted, I can only nod.
“I think you’re strong.” His baritone softens to a low rumble. “Strong enough to survive horrors I can’t even dream of. You’re powerful. Formidable. So goddamn beautiful, I want to destroyanyone… fucking anyone… who dares to mean you harm.”
My tongue glues to the roof of my mouth.
“You’re a ball buster, and I’ve never been happier to let someone walk all over me.” His mouth crooks in a smile. “The way you storm through life like it’s a mountain to be conquered is so hot, I can’t even begin to tell you.”
