Page 33 of Guarded Love

“I don’t. Really. Only that there was one, and she left. Because she was obviously out of her mind.”

“You’re only saying that.” Because I couldn’t believe it. I wouldn’t. She didn’t mean it. It was something she felt she had to say, that’s all.

She curled a hand around the back of my neck, shaking her head before pulling me down. “I’m not. If I ever meet her, I’ll tell her exactly how stupid she is. You know I would.”

That, I had no doubt. I knew how good she was at putting a person in their place. “I don’t want to talk about her anymore,” I murmured before claiming her mouth again.

15

EVELYN

“Ireally don’t need these.”

Magnus shook his head and scowled. Somehow, he was even more gorgeous when he was scowling. “Like I told you before. Either you use the crutches, or I carry you. It’s your choice.”

“Some choice.” I ducked my head, but not fast enough. He caught the little smile I couldn’t hide. When I glanced his way, he was smiling too. Despite all my complaints, he knew that I loved being cared for. It was nicer than the way Barrett always insisted on hovering over me. No matter how often he said otherwise, I would never shake the feeling that he was only doing it because he felt bad. It was one thing to be cared for out of duty or guilt, but another one to be taken care of just because somebody wanted to do it. Magnus didn’t owe me anything.

“Where did you get your hands on a pair of crutches out of nowhere?”

“I have my ways.” Of course, he did. He could call up a medical supply company, and presto, one pair of shining crutches was his in no time. A pair he had already insisted I use when he took me to a movie the previous evening. “We can’t be too careful with you.”

I’d heard that already. Too. That simple string of words had the power to take my breath away. He meant it. I felt his sincerity. This wasn’t a game.

Now, his car and driver were waiting outside the building, ready to take us on a date he refused to describe. Even with all my grumbling, I had to admit it was easier to get around with the crutches he’d insisted I use to protect my leg—less chance of having to put my left foot down. The exercises my therapist gave me to perform post-surgery helped to keep the muscles from tightening up too much, and the pain was less every day. Pain that was already more manageable than some of what I had gone through even before surgery. The many other surgeries… ugh, I shudder at the memories. Yes, little by little they helped me get to this point today, but the recovery was long, arduous, and so very lonely.

Was this it? Was this a new beginning? It felt like one as Magnus helped me into the car, then rounded the trunk and took his place beside me on the supple leather seat.

“Are you going to tell me where we’re going?”

“You said you were hungry.”

“I did.”

“But that you’re not into fancy, expensive places.”

“I never did get the hang of some aspects of Barrett’s new lifestyle.”

“Understood. So we’re going to go somewhere you feel comfortable.” He looked me up and down before a devilish grin spread over his generous mouth. “In that outfit, it’s going to have to be a quick meal. I want to get you back to the penthouse as soon as possible.”

It still felt like a dream. Every minute of it. Being whisked around in a luxury car, sitting next to anyone’s version of a dream man. Being wanted. Could it be like this all the time? Why couldn’t it be? Why did anything have to change?

I had to go from gazing at Magnus to looking out the window so he wouldn’t see the way I chewed my lip. “You all right?” His sneaky fingers started working their way under the hem of my dress to caress my knee. A cute, comfortable dress I’d bought off-the-rack and a denim jacket over the top, yet he acted like I was wearing the slinkiest couture.

“I’m great. And hungry.”

“Then we’re headed to the right place.” When he lifted my hand and brushed his lips against my knuckles, I forgot to breathe. He was a dangerous man with the feelings he caused in me. I might end up dead or at least unconscious if I wasn’t careful.

The car pulled up at the curb in front of a little pizza shop. Being Soho, it wasn’t any typical hole-in-the-wall sort of place. There was definitely more of an upscale vibe to it, but it was cute and casual, exactly the sort of place I preferred to visit.

“This doesn’t seem like it’s quite your speed,” I mused as he helped me out of the car. He waited patiently when I needed a second to get myself straightened out.

“You don’t know what my speed is.” That wasn’t true, but I didn’t want to argue. Not when it was so much fun being with him.

The inside of the restaurant was cute, with rustic exposed brick and dim lighting. Almost romantic, or it would have been if not for the open kitchen and a bunch of people tossing pizza dough around while calling out to each other. It was interesting, and we sat, watching the theatrics while waiting for a bottle of wine.

Pizza and wine. Did it get any better?

Sure it did, combined with an absolutely gorgeous man. He looked good enough to eat in a dark gray V-neck shirt and jeans. Even when he dressed casually, he gave off an expensive, sophisticated air that left me salivating.

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