Page 96 of Undeniable

I inhaled her vanilla scent, wanting to kiss her so damn bad. But I wouldn’t let myself. I didn’t deserve it. Didn’t deserve her. This morning’s incident certainly proved that.

After helping her into a pair of my sweatpants, I placed her in the back of the SUV, holding her in my lap all the way to the hospital. If only I’d insisted on making those security updates. If only…

George’s words from all those months ago echoed in my mind.You’ll pay for this.

I should’ve known the entitled prick wouldn’t be able to leave well enough alone. He’d always acted as if he was above the law. Which he was in a way, thanks to diplomatic immunity. I shouldn’t have underestimated him, but I never could’ve anticipated he’d do something like this.

We didn’t talk as Clay raced across the city. Mostly because I didn’t know what to say. I’m sorry seemed inadequate. And I love you seemed inappropriate, even as I stroked Olivia’s hair and peered into her eyes, hoping she’d see the love there.

When we finally arrived at the hospital, I carried Olivia in, despite her protests. We were escorted to a room, where a doctor ran a series of tests. They left with the promise to return for a CT scan, and she patted the spot beside her. I took a seat, and she held my hand in hers. My body finally relaxed a little at the connection.

“Connor.” Olivia squeezed my uninjured hand, bringing my attention to her. “Are you okay?”

I scoffed. “Am I okay?” I shook my head. “Goody, you nearly died.”

She rolled her eyes, but beneath her bravado, I saw fear. “Stop being dramatic. I passed out for like a second.”

I shook my head, drawing in a deep breath through my nose. I needed to stay calm—for her.

“I’m okay. You’re okay. That’s all that matters.” How was she so composed after everything that had happened?

“The fuck it is,” I ground out. I was the one who was trained for these types of situations, and I was totally losing my shit. “He could’ve…” I squeezed my eyes shut as a multitude of scenarios played out in my mind.

I kept replaying the phone call in my head, the tone of her voice indicating that something was wrong. And I remembered her face when I’d peered through the window. She’d been terrified. And it was all my fault. A sickening feeling settled in my gut.

“Stop,” she said. “Whatever you’re thinking, just stop.”

“I can’t,” I whispered. “I almost lost you.” I cupped her cheeks.

“But you didn’t,” she said. She brought my hand to her mouth and kissed my skin. “And I’m okay.”

Thank fuck.

“Oh my god. Luna.” She looked panic-stricken. “Do you know if Luna’s okay? I hope she didn’t get out with everyone coming and going.”

“I already texted Wyatt about Luna. He told me he spotted her. And he made sure her food bowl was full.”

Her shoulders relaxed, the fight going out of her. “Thank you. And please tell the rest of the team thank you. They were all so brave, especially you.”

“You’re the brave one. And clever—telling me to add cashews to your breakfast,” I said, full of admiration for her quick thinking and resourcefulness.

She sagged. “I’m just glad you understood my warning.”

“I wish you’d never had to warn me.” I picked at the coarse fibers of the hospital blanket, hating myself. She deserved an explanation, even if I knew she’d never look at me the same again.

Before I could open my mouth, there was a knock at the door, and a nurse collected Olivia for the CT scan. I released her even though it pained me to do so and backed away.

She left, but not before saying, “You’ll be here when I get back, right?”

I nodded. “Promise.”

I returned to the hall and found Clay waiting for me. He leaned against the opposite wall, arms crossed over his chest.

“How is she?” he asked, pushing off the wall and coming to join me.

I shook my head. “She’s too calm. I think she’s in shock.”

“And you?” he asked.

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