Page 18 of Protecting Salvation

Hurricane stepped closer to her at Lotus’ question, wanting her to know he was there if she needed him. Her body leaned into his and he moved closer, resting his palm on the back of her neck and thumbing the delicate skin underneath her hair.

“I counsel lots of different people with differing degrees of PTSD, including those abused by spouses or family members. Often that makes me the focus of their rage when the loved one gets strong enough to fight back. So, yes, maybe a few. I did see a man hanging around yesterday after a client like that left, but I didn’t see a face and it might have been a coincidence.”

Hurricane looked at Lotus and Titan who were wearing similar expressions as the one he knew was on his face. “All right, sugar, we’ll have Watchdog take a look.”

“Hurricane, why don’t you take Peyton home and get any more details while Titan and I handle this? I know Aoife is going to head over as soon as she gets off shift. Bein has gone to pick her up.”

Hurricane could have kissed his friend, in a purely platonic way, because she could see without asking how shaken Peyton was. It was Lotus who’d been with her the day she was attacked and helped save her life.

“Is that okay with you, sugar? Or do you want Lotus to go with you?” He wanted to be the one who was there for her but he knew it might be better if it was Lotus.

“No, I want you.” A pink blush stained her cheeks and she ducked her head as soon as the words registered. “I mean, I’d feel safer with you.”

He fought a grin and won, barely. “You got it. Is there anything you need here?”

“Just my bag.”

“Is Bertie at home?”

Her eyes came to his and they looked slightly vacant and he wondered if she was going into shock. “He’s at the groomers. I need to collect him.”

“We can do that on the way.”

He knew from Aoife that Peyton walked most places so her car wouldn’t be an issue. His hand on her upper arm he guided her out, taking the bag Lotus passed him and handing it to her. “Call me if you find anything.”

“Will do, big guy.”

He walked with her down the narrow stairs, keeping his hand on her shoulder sensing she needed that small physical connection to keep her grounded. “My car is parked at the hospital.”

Her eyes widened. “It is? Are you okay?”

He nodded, not wanting to have this conversation with her but knowing she needed the distraction and it wasn’t exactly a secret anymore. “I’m having some tests done.”

“Oh.” She looked at the floor as they walked and he kept a hand on her back to guide her. Her head came up a few minutes later as they drew closer to the car park. “You’re okay though? You’re not going to die?”

The worry in her voice was nice and horrid at the same time, and he wondered what kind of asshole was pleased that someone might worry about them. “The plan is to stay alive that’s for sure.”

“I’m sorry, I’m being nosey it’s none of my business.”

He gripped her upper arm and stopped her in the middle of the pavement. Her head tipped back and she looked at him with compassion but not pity. “It’s not that, it’s complicated. How about I take you home? You can make me a sandwich and I’ll tell you all about it.”

Her lips twitched and he knew it had been the right thing to do. A mundane activity, like making tea or a simple meal, could be soothing for someone in shock and his doozy of a diagnosis would distract her. Peyton had been through one hell of an ordeal not even eighteen months past and she wasn’t recovered, which was why this was hitting her so hard.

“So, it’s true that you’re always hungry?”

A laugh huffed out of him as he clicked the locks and opened the door of his black Audi A3. “I’m a growing boy, sugar.”

“Yeah, you are.”

Her eyes swept over him and his cheeks felt hot, and he thanked God for his dark skin so that she couldn’t see him blush.

The journey was quick with a short stop to collect Bertie who licked his face in greeting. Peyton held him tight, kissing his fluffy head and he felt jealous of a damn dog because he was getting something he’d give his left nut for. Parking in the drive, he took her key and made her wait in the car while he checked her house and made sure it was clear. He knew it freaked her out, but he’d rather see her freaked than hurt. Once he was happy the house was clear, he walked her inside and closed the door.

Taking off his hat, he brushed a hand over his short hair and took a seat at her kitchen peninsula before dropping his cap into his lap as she gave Bertie some water. He tried to forget that her bedroom was above his head and how badly he’d wanted to take her up on her offer last Friday night. Peyton was beautiful, kind, loyal, funny, and smart and he liked her a lot. If he hadn’t got his diagnosis last year he probably would’ve pursued something with her, but what could he possibly offer her now?

A broken man who could go blind or, worse, die on the operating table. He knew she liked him, and when he was with her the pull between them was electric. He’d never felt anything like it before. It was easy, no bullshit, no angst, and he could be himself with her. But he knew friends would be a stretch for him when he wanted her so damn badly that it was an effort to restrain his dick when she was around.

“So what do you want in your sandwich?” Her head was in the fridge as she spoke and he let his eyes drink her in, from her long, light straight brown hair to her peachy butt and long, lithe legs.