Page 62 of Consumed By You
When I step out, Benjamin’s in the kitchen, dressed down to his briefs. He senses me hovering and picks up the mug. “I heated it up again. It was cold.”
Even though I don’t want it, I take it from his hands gratefully. Sipping the warm liquid, I realize it feels wonderful going down my throat, comforting.
“Thank you.” I go over to the dryer to put his clothes in, then head to bed. I’m exhausted. He runs his hand through his hair and goes to the other side, obviously unsure of how to act.
“Come to bed.”
He exhales softly and lies down next to me over the covers. I sigh, relieved to be home.
“How did you know?” I ask as the time ticks by, turning so we’re facing each other.
“I had Dimitri monitoring the security cameras outside of your job. That’s why he wasn’t there right away. I’msosorry.”
He lays his hand over mine.
“Why are you sorry? I’m lucky you were even watching. I’d probably be dead right now if you hadn’t.”
“After tonight, I was worried.”
“What happened tonight? Why were you there?”
“You weren’t answering my calls. A recording kept saying there was no one by that number, so I figured you blocked me and it seemed too stalker-ish to check, so—”
“I changed my number.”
His lips turn down just barely and he nods. “That explains it. I couldn’t get ahold of you and every time I called your job, that Kevin guy picked up, so I decided to just show up.”
“Oh.”
“Then I saw that guy put his hands up your skirt and I fucking lost it. I realize now I shouldn’t have. I’m sorry.”
I shake my head and lay my hand on his cheek. He flinches slightly and I realize my hands are still freezing. “Oh, sorry.” I begin to move my hand but he clasps it, holding it there.
“Don’t,” he pleads. The look of vulnerability on his face is uncomfortable to witness, and yet I can’t look away. “Keep it there.”
“I’m happy you defended me. Thank you.”
For once the city is quiet in the early hours of the morning. I sigh, letting my eyes close.
After a couple of minutes, I’m practically drifting from consciousness, and Benjamin removes my hand from his cheek and his arm goes around my waist, holding me close. My cold body meets his warm one and I’m completely and utterly safe.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
When I awake, I’m struck by the realization that my muscles are tensed, feeling atrophied. I canfeelthe damage done to my body. Hearing rustling in the apartment, I sit up abruptly, then inhale with relief when I see Benjamin cooking in my kitchen.
He’s still here?
I glance at the alarm clock on my nightstand and do a double take.It’s two in the afternoon!
“Hi,” I say, and add, “You’re not at work.”
“I’m not going in today.” He turns, spatula in hand, a look of wariness on his face. “I hope it’s okay that I’m still here. I don’t know if you want to be alone.”
I shake my head frantically. “No, I want you here. I was just surprised. You’re not going to work?”
“No.”
“Have you ever even missed a day of work?” I chuckle.
