Page 31 of Dubious Match
Pulling it out, since it’s attached to my key ring, he scans it before hitting the button.
“That’s security,” Brice growls in approval.
My lips twitch at his possessiveness, but I don’t say anything about it.
“I don’t like seeing you like this, Hollis,” he adds. “It’s like the weight of the world is on your shoulders.”
“Because it is,” I say. “There’s no other way to explain it. It’ll always be like this. I highly suggest that you turn in the other direction and run away.”
“When pigs fucking fly,” he says. “And if that happens, I expect elephants to do the tango and lions to samba. I’m not going anywhere. It physically hurts me to see you like this.”
My lips purse because it’s hard to say anything to that, and he gasps as he walks out into my loft. This is the reason these floors have key cards. I don’t have a front door, just the elevator doors. There’s no way to hack into this system, and I should know because I repeatedly try to just to make sure.
“This is gorgeous, Hollis,” he says softly as he walks through the open floor plan. “It’s still too bright, isn’t it?”
“Controls,” I murmur, squinting as I point toward the remote for the tinting in the large plate glass window overlooking the city.
Once it’s in my hands, I turn everything down and off until the barest light is available.
“Very cool,” he says, walking me toward a chair. Dropping to his knees, he pulls off my boots and socks, brow raised.
“I can take care of the rest,” I say. The darkness is helping for now. I just need to strip and get my medication.
“Can I help you get into bed?” he asks.
“I have medication that I need to take and it’s going to knock me out,” I say gently. “I just don’t…”
“I know,” he says, sounding frustrated with himself. “I want to accelerate things, but you’re right. I shouldn’t be here while you’ll be vulnerable. Your space is set up for your needs, I just wish I could hold you while you sleep.”
My cheeks are still wet from crying from frustration and pain earlier, and I struggle not to start up again. I have no control on my emotions when I feel like this. It’s a yo-yo of sadness and anger.
I hate that I’m at my body’s mercy.
“Brice…” Do I tell him that I’m willing to give them a chance?
Swallowing hard, I go through what I do know about them. I know that they are prone to leading with their emotions, especially when they feel slighted. God only knows what they’ll think if I don’t say something.
These alphas are already so much work.
“Tell them I’ll give them a chance,” I say.
“Can we take you out to dinner when you feel better?” he asks.
“It’s going to be busy for a while,” I remind him gently, standing and walking slowly toward my closet.
I can feel Brice vibrating with the need to help, but he stays still.
“Working dinner,” he suggests. “Our back patio, with dessert.”
“Isn’t that rude?” I ask from my closet. I don’t know if he can hear me, since my voice doesn’t project the way it typically does.
Pulling off my clothes, I throw them in the hamper and put my weapons away. Feeling more naked than ever, I pull on a camisole and shorts, knowing I’ll be sleeping for the rest of the day. My panties are also in the hamper, as long as I don’t perfume or slick, I doubt it’ll be an issue.
Practically stumbling to the bathroom I find my migraine meds and shake out a single tablet. This shit is strong. Holding it in my fist, I walk back out to find Brice close by.
“Can I pick you up? Please?” he asks, the muscles in his throat strain as he forces himself to wait for me to agree.
Now that I have to walk to my bed, it feels a lot further away. Nodding, I watch as Brice lets himself off his own leash to scoop me into his arms.
