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That left me with one option: Massimo’s huge shirt. It was big enough to cover me almost down to my knees, and the loose garment would conceal the shape of my body.
I did my best to ignore the scent of leather and amber as I tugged the soft cotton over my head. Something had been rewired in my brain when he’d held me through my panic attack, and a tempting sense of comfort teased at my senses.
Before I could sort through the confusing emotions, a gentle knock on the bathroom door jolted through my body like a thunderclap. I yelped and tugged the shirt tightly around me, as though it would be enough to shield me from impending danger.
“Are you decent?” Massimo’s deep voice was easily discernible through the closed door.
My reply stuck in my constricted throat, too tight from the surge of fear when he’d knocked.
“Answer me, Evelyn.”
Was that anger that sharpened his tone? Or concern?
“Yes,” I squeaked in reply, forcing out an answer before he chose to break down the door. I’d witnessed too much violence tonight, and I didn’t think I could handle another outburst.
“Unlock the door.” A firm order. “Now,” he added when I hesitated.
I unstuck my feet from the warm tiled floor, moving to obey him. He would come in here, one way or another. I might as well take the smallest bit of control over my situation and unlock the door with my own hands.
As soon as the lock turned, he came in without waiting for an invitation. He stepped directly into my personal space, joining me in the bathroom. He was still shirtless, his muscular torso filling my vision with him so close to my body. My eyes caught on the small white bandage at his right side.
Massimo hadn’t been seriously hurt. Some tension I’d been holding since he’d saved me released from my chest, and I huffed out a relieved breath. The sight of his blood and the knowledge that he’d bled for me had caused me more anxiety than I’d realized.
He’s a criminal, I reminded myself. He’s holding you here against your will.
Even so, I would’ve been tormented by guilt if he’d truly suffered for saving my life. No matter what else he might be, Massimo was a brave man. He’d jumped straight into the line of fire to protect me.
“It’s my turn to get cleaned up,” he announced.
My eyes lifted to his. How long had I been staring at his body, transfixed by the sight of his intimidating muscles? He could do anything he wanted to me, and I wouldn’t be capable of resisting him.
His silver eyes shone with suspicion. “If I let you out of my sight, you’re going to try to run.”
It wasn’t a question. My trepidation must be written all over my face—if I couldn’t fight him off, flight was my only other option.
I struggled to smooth my expression to something meek and bewildered. “I won’t.”
His lips pinched, as though he’d bitten into something sour. “Don’t lie to me, Evelyn.”
Another lie teased at the tip of my tongue, but I swallowed it down. There was no hiding from his keen gaze.
“Let me leave,” I pleaded instead. “I won’t tell anyone about what happened tonight. You saved my life, and I owe you for that. I won’t betray you to the cops, I swear.”
He cocked his head at me. “You really mean that.”
Again, it wasn’t a question. Massimo was clearly astute at reading people. Or maybe I was just too raw from my trauma to hide my emotions.
I nodded. “Let me go, and I won’t say a word to anyone. Don’t keep me as bait for George. Please, I?—”
“Don’t say his name,” Massimo growled, eyes turning stormy. “I’m not keeping you as bait. You’re here for your own protection. I’m not letting you out of my sight.”
All of my muscles tensed, my body instinctively going on high alert. But before I could even think about evading him, his strong arms closed around me. Once again, I found myself cradled against his hard chest. I tried not to notice the warmth of his bare skin and the way his dark, masculine hair tickled my cheek.
“What are you doing?” I asked, my voice shaking slightly. Despite my worry over the unknown, true fear didn’t grip my psyche. His compelling scent suffused my senses like a calming drug, and his hold on my body was achingly gentle, despite his strength.
He carried me into the bedroom and set me down on the enormous four-poster bed. My heart fluttered, unease stirring at the back of my mind. I was naked beneath Massimo’s huge shirt, and we were alone in his bedroom. His big hands touched my body as though he had every right, handling me with ease.
“I’m going to make sure you don’t try anything foolish,” he told me, tone firm. “I don’t want to have to deal with Duarte’s men if they catch you making an attempt to leave the building.”
