Page 37 of The Boss's Possession

Carson glared at Peter.

“I only told her that I wouldn’t be available for a couple of hours in case she needed me, that’s all.”

“Private business is not meant to be discussed.”

“He doesn’t tell me anything else, I promise. Only when and if I can’t get in touch. That’s all.”

Willow sighed and then sat up. She ran fingers through her hair.

“How are you feeling?” Miley said.

“I’m fine.”

She returned her gaze to Carson.

“Miley and Peter were just leaving. The police are investigating the fire.”

Willow nodded. “I’m tired.”

She got to her feet and walked away without another word. Carson knew she was hurting. He didn’t make excuses for her behavior, but he did show Miley and Peter out, ordering them to be careful.

Carson didn’t know who would be stupid enough to try to take him on, but he was more than happy with the challenge of finding out.

Closing the penthouse door, he flicked the lock into place and then went to find Willow. She wasn’t in the bedroom, but he did find her in the bathroom, already soaking, standing beneath the water.

“I’m showering,” she said.

He stepped into the stall.

“Do you not understand private spaces?” she asked.

He pressed his hands either side of her head and smiled. “When it comes to you, no. There is no such thing as private spaces, because, Willow, you are all mine.” He put his fingers beneath her chin, forcing her to look at him. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing.”

“Baby, you think I don’t know when you’re pissed. I do, and I know you’re angry right now, so why don’t you tell me what I can do about it? Tell me what’s wrong?”

“You didn’t answer the phone and I know it’s crazy. I’m not angry at you, I’m angry at that … that … monster who set fire to my grandmother’s shop. How could anyone do that!” She all but screamed.

He went to her and wrapped his arms around her but Willow was not in the mood to be comforted. She tried to stop him, but he didn’t let her. Now was not the time for her to be angry.

He pressed his lips against her head. “I’ve got you.”

“My grandmother gave me one thing to take care of, her shop. That was all, and look what I’ve done.”

He cupped her face and forced her to look at him. “You didn’t do anything, baby. You hear me, you didn’t do anything. None of this is your fault.”

She openly sobbed.

“How can it not be my fault? I was meant to take care of her shop, her … legacy, and now it’s all gone.”

“And you’re going to have a new shop,” Carson said. “Trust me, you will have that store back. I promise you.”

Willow wrapped her arms around him and sobbed.

He held her, hating that he’d not been there to stop this. According to Miley, there wouldn’t have been time. Once they realized the man had the intention to harm, the damage had already started. Fire in a fabric store, yeah, that wouldn’t be pretty.

Willow didn’t know that Carson had told the police he needed to be informed who the culprit was.

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