Page 71 of Fall to Me
“Take care of her, Carter,” Aspen calls out.
“You know I will.”
I end the call, then hit the app for our building to call down to Nigel.
“Mr. Graham. I’m sorry again for everything that’s happened today. I assure you that we’re taking measures to tighten up our security.”
“Thank you,” I say, toeing my shoe against the marble floor. “Is there any way I can speak to Brian?”
“Sure. Just one moment, sir.”
My feet shuffle back and forth as I pace the entryway, listening to elevator music. God, today was so fucked. As much as I need eyes on River, I need eyes on Jaxon too. I should’ve thought to ask Daniel about that.
“Brian speaking.”
“Brian, this is Carter Graham. I wanted to thank you again for taking care of my wife.”
“Sir, it was no problem at all.”
Wait. This guy is in security too. I wonder if he would know anyone.
“You wouldn’t happen to have contact with any private investigators, would you?”
“No, sir. I’m sorry I don’t, but I’ll check around. Let me make some calls, and I’ll touch base with you in a couple of hours.”
“Thanks, man,” I say, making my way to the couch. “And thanks again for taking care of River.”
“You bet.”
Folding myself into the couch, I hang my head. What a shit day. A few minutes later, River emerges into the living room in nothing but my Jersey, her hair damp from a shower.
My brows narrow in confusion. “Um, baby. I—I don’t . . .”
“What’s wrong?” she asks.
“I don’t think . . . I—I mean, damn, you look hot as fuck . . .” I lick my lips as my eyes trail down her toned legs. “But uh . . . I thought you still wanted me to take you out on our date.”
“I’ve changed my mind. Plus, aren’t you the one who said that every moment we spend together is a date?” she asks, straddling me and kissing my neck. “Right now, I really need my husband.”
She lifts my shirt up and pulls it over my head.
“You called me your husband.”
“I did.”
I trace my finger down her bruised cheek, the guilt of not being on time weighing heavy on me. “I should’ve been here. I’m so sorry, baby.”
“It’s not your fault.” River grabs my hand and presses it against her cheek. Leaning into my touch, she kisses my palm. “I need you.”
“Baby, you were just attacked.”
“Please. Make it go away. Distract me. Make me forget. Replace his touch the way you said you would. I need to feel your hands on my skin instead of his. It’s the only way I know how to deal right now.”
I look down and see her skin scrubbed raw. And that’s when I realize that she’s not only a survivor of domestic abuse. In their years married, he did so much more to her than hit her.
I lift my eyes back to hers, and dammit, what I see there crushes me.
“Please?” she asks again.
