Page 34 of Seeking Vengeance

“I know you can. But this is the first opportunity I’ve had to prove myself to you, so let me take it.”

I look away, not wanting him to witness the effect of his words.

If this had happened at home, and my friends or family had rescued me, I’d be dealing with chastisements and judgment. The fear from my loved ones wouldn’t come through in kindness. Only criticism.

This is such a sweet balm to my nauseating idiocy.

Bishop opens the back door to the Lincoln and I’m bundled inside, gently slid into the middle seat before Matthew takes his place at my side.

I don’t get a chance to pull on my seatbelt before he’s lifting me again, dragging me onto his lap.

“What are you doing?” I whisper.

“Holding you.” He wraps his arms around my waist, bundling me against his pristine suit. “You’re shaking.”

I am. I can’t help it. Even my heart trembles.

This shouldn’t be such a big deal. I’ve been through worse. But the shaking doesn’t stop. Not when Bishop climbs back into the car with my bags. And not once we start moving, with me still on Matthew’s lap, his tight hold acting as my seatbelt.

“Tell me you’re okay,” he murmurs.

My throat burns with adoration. With appreciation. I lean into him, my head against his shoulder, my heart yearning for more. “I am. It’s only shock.”

“You sure?”

I nod. “Positive.”

We fall silent, the low hum of the radio filtering through the speakers, the luxury of his hold cocooning me. I should be strengthening my emotional walls against him, against all the weakness, but for just this once, I decide to let someone else take the lead. To quit pretending I’m a force to be reckoned with and simply succumb to Matthew’s rescue.

We reach the hotel without another word, then the underground parking lot. Once the car stops near the elevator, my savior opens the door, then slides out from beneath me to haul me from the vehicle and back into his arms.

“This isn’t necessary.” I press a hand to his chest in another feeble objection.

“I know.” He nuzzles his nose near my ear, his breath tickling my neck. “I’m still taking advantage until the shock wears off. God knows once you’re strong enough you’ll return to being the independent woman who doesn’t want a piece of me.”

I huff a faint laugh despite his false assumption.

Idowant a piece. I want all the pieces.

“What about her room key?” Bishop asks through his lowered car window. “Should I get a new one from reception?”

“Mine should still be in my pocket.” I double-check to make sure, finding the plastic card in my stained jeans.

“Regardless, she’ll be staying in my room,” Matthew adds. “Park the car and we’ll meet you upstairs.”

I don’t argue. I’m smart enough to acknowledge I need company right now. I don’t want to be out of these strong arms. I’d love to stay here forever, constantly protected by someone who doesn’t despise me.

I keep those thoughts to myself as I’m carried to the elevator, the confined space taking us to one of the top floors, then escorted to a freshly made suite far bigger than mine. We bypass a compact kitchen. A spotless living room. Then continue down a hall.

“Where are you taking me?” My question becomes redundant as we enter a bedroom, Matthew’s stride not faltering until I’m gently placed on a king-size bed.

“You can rest here.” He presses a kiss to my forehead and backs toward the door, a dedicated knight in shining armor. “I’m going to get you a stiff drink to settle the adrenaline. I’ll arrange an ice pack, too, and run you a bath. Want anything else?”

I’m lost for words. Speechless.

“Food? Water? A fresh change of clothes?” His gaze falls to one of the large dirt stains on the side of my jeans. “I could go to your room—”

“No. I don’t need anything else.” Only company. I don’t want him to leave. I swing my legs off the bed, preparing to follow him, needing his proximity. “Apart from a dose of the shakes, honestly, I’m fine.”

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