True to his word, Chase wakes me two hours later. I expect the hotel alarm clock, not soft soothing fingers caressing my face and hairline. A bone-chilling cold creeps along the sensitive skin of my cheekbone. My eyelids flicker open, and I gaze into sleepy half-hooded azure eyes. His features are different under the muted glow of the bedside lamp, more comforting, less intense. I could get used to seeing these bedroom eyes. He holds an ice pack against my swollen cheek. The icy chill sends shivers through me.

“Gillian, what’s my name?” he asks in a hushed voice.

“Chase,” I say groggily. The pain medication makes my tongue feel thick and swollen.

“Here, baby, take these.” He puts two small white pills on the tip of my tongue and hands me a glass of water.

When did he start calling me baby?

“The doctor said it will help with the swelling and the pain from your stitches.”

I swallow the pills and lie back down. He sets the glass down, brings the covers back up to my chin, and puts the ice pack on the bedside table. He clocks every inch of my face, a mercurial look fastened to his features. I smile dreamily at him. Chase is pretty.

“Why, thank you,” he says, amusement in his tone.

I didn’t realize I said the thought aloud, but don’t take it back. It’s the truth.

He plants a soft kiss against my lips. He cradles the undamaged side of my face in his right hand. I return the kiss as he slides satiny lips against mine. He continues the slow assault on my mouth, not increasing the pressure or taking it further. Just kissing me how he wants. Like a man who cherishes his woman. This is dangerous territory we’re entering.

He strokes my bottom lip with his tongue, and I slide my fingers into his hairline, tickling his scalp and increasing the pressure. That’s all the permission he needs. Taking the invitation greedily, he uses his mouth to swallow me whole. His tongue sweeps past my teeth and against my tongue in long unhurried swipes. A moan leaves me on a rasp of breath. He tastes good, rich and utterly male. I want his body on top of me, coating every surface with his warm skin. Tugging at his shoulders, I attempt to bring him against my chest. It doesn’t work. He’s a solid rock, unmovable. I grunt in frustration, scissoring my legs to aid in my goal. Unfortunately, Chase does the exact opposite of what I want and pulls away.

“God, what you do to me, Gillian. It’s never… Let’s just say I’m not used to this.” He pulls completely away and walks to the other side of the bed and gets in.

The rumpled sheets and imprint of his head in the pillow tell me he’s been sleeping next me. In my drug-induced state, I didn’t notice. I frown, wishing I could remember the exact moment he lay down next to me.

“Not used to what?” I turn on my side, resting my head on the pillow, and stare at him in the soft light.

He’s lying on his back, breathing deeply. His white T-shirt stretches across his broad chest, accentuating the hills and valleys of a perfectly sculpted frame. I want to scrape my nails against the fabric to see how he responds. He’s contemplative and brooding. Instead of touching him, I wait, keeping my distance.

“This attraction. It’s maddening.” He frowns.

I stare. Chase is panty-melting good-looking. Everything about him attracts me. From the tip of his dark hair, down his beautiful face, and over his broad chest, to the parts of him I haven’t yet been introduced to. I’m not sure what he is talking about, but my head is heavy and I’m losing the battle to keep my eyes open. I feel him turn towards me.

“Gillian, look at me,” he says sternly.

I open my eyes and focus with a great deal of effort. I’m fading fast.

“Can you remember these three things? Vanilla, emerald, and Popsicle. You got that?”

My head feels as though it’s a water balloon, filled to the brim, as I nod.

“No, say it,” he demands.

Closing incredibly heavy lids, I attempt the list, trying not to slip into dreamland. “Um, vanilla, emerald, and a Popsicle,” I repeat like a good girl.

The next time I wake is to heat, a veritable inferno. A body surrounds me, large legs and arms enclosing me tightly. The room is bathed in black, and strong arms hold me fast against a wide chest, preventing much movement. I can’t remember the last time I woke in a man’s arms. The feeling of being so sheltered, so secure, is heart-melting. I can feel Chase’s breath quicken and his chest rise and fall against my cheek. If only I could bottle this feeling for eternity.

“Baby, what are the three things I asked you to remember?” Chase asks in a low, gravelly voice.

“Um, green, vanilla, and Popsicle.” I snuggle into his chest and start to drift. My head is so heavy it feels like a stack of bricks are holding it down.

He stiffens and pulls away, forcing me to lose my comfy spot. “Gillian, what are the three things in exact order, exactly as I said them?” His tone is harsh, demanding.

I try really hard to think back to what he told me. “Oh. Vanilla, emerald, not green, and Popsicle,” I say, confident but still exhausted.

A huge breath leaves his chest, but the scowl I can barely see in the shadows of night still mars his lovely face.

“Go to back to sleep.” He grips me protectively.

I rub against his side like a cat, stretching and finding just the right position before I start purring.

Gentle fingers glide along my arm, shoulder, neck, hairline, and down along my hip and naked thigh, waking me once more. The caress is repeated over and over, sending dizzying bouts of lust through every limb. The sensation is wonderful, and I roll completely onto my back, opening myself to him in the most vulnerable way. Chase’s large hand slips to my bare belly and covers the entire expanse. He’s huge compared to me.

An errant thumb lightly circles the edge of my panties. My breath puffs out in tiny frantic bursts of excitement. I feel the heat of his head at the base of my neck, his five o’clock shadow grating along the skin there. His teeth nibble at my chin in a line to my mouth. Once he reaches my mouth, I take his lips into a feverish kiss, never having opened my eyes. His tongue demands entrance. I open for him. In this moment, there’s nothing I want more than Chase over me. On top of me. Completing me.

Chase drinks from the well of my mouth, biting into my bottom lip and then moving to its twin. I groan, needing, wanting more. Finally, his hand slides under my shirt to cup one full breast. I arch, pressing the heavy flesh into his strong hand, relishing the tingles that spread through my chest. I taste his minty breath as he moans his pleasure into my mouth. His fingers fondle the globe teasingly. Then utter relief splatters across my senses as he brings the cup of my bra down and grazes his thumb over an aching tip. Bliss.

“Oh, God,” spills from my throat, as if ripped directly from the heavens. It’s guttural and raw. Chase is doing this to me. Turning me into something else, someone I don’t recognize. He swallows my cry as if he’s eating it, all lips, teeth, and tongue.

With his thumb, he pulls and pinches the tight peak, elongating it into a tender bit of flesh that’s tethered directly to the pleasure building in my core. I grip him hard, pulling him to me, sliding my hands under his shirt to scratch my nails down the fine skin of his muscular back. He takes the advantage and slides my shirt up, exposing my chest. He pushes the bra down to fully squeeze and grope both breasts greedily, flicking and tugging at each tip, driving me insane with lust. I pray that he never stops touching them. I’d willingly serve them up on a platter every day if he would promise me this nirvana regularly.

“Fuck, you have an incredible body!” he says as he pulls my right breast into his warm mouth.

Sparks fly as the wet heat of his tongue sends ribbons of pleasure down to the ache between my legs. God, I wish he’d touch me there. His other hand plucks and pinches my nipple’s twin, adding to the mounting tension spiraling through me. Heat infuses my belly, and I arc my hips against his straining erection, relishing the heavy growl that leaves his lips. As he worships my tits, I think I might actually come from him ravishing my breasts. He sucks and flicks the enlarged peak with the tip of his tongue until it glistens. He moves one hand up to my neck to settle at the nape. His thumb grazes my swollen cheek. I gasp as pain splinters in every direction, dampening my excitement.

“Shit, baby, I’m sorry. Fuck!” He backs away.

I pull him with all my might. He’s a wall. An unmovable one with a mighty scowl marring his previously lust-ridden features. I want to throw my hands in the air and flail my limbs in a full soap opera–worthy tantrum. He cannot set me on fire without putting me out.

He sits back on his haunches, watching me seethe.

“Chase, no. No, it’s okay. Really, I’m fine.” I place soothing kisses everywhere I can reach as I scoot into his lap, my legs wrapped around his waist.

With intent, I’ve placed my center directly against his raging erection. He slides his hands along my ass and grips me firmly, digging his rock solid cock against my clit.

I moan, head tilting back, baring my neck. “God, yes!”

He slides his hand lightly along the column. I feel the melancholy building in him as he reverently touches the five perfect crescent-shaped indents marring the skin there. They’re likely coupled with bruises that would resemble a man’s hand, a physical reminder of the torment I underwent only hours ago.

Shivering, I force myself not to recoil. More than anything, I need to let a man be close to me again. If not forever, at least for now, with this man. Damn, I promised myself I’d never be the victim again, and here I am, covered in bruises, narrowly having escaped death by another abuser.

Chase lays me back against the bed, his soulful gaze filled with pain. “Gillian, I’m going to give you some relief, but we need to wait.”

His words are meant to soothe. They only frustrate. I am not a porcelain doll. I can take whatever he dishes out and then some.

Confusion and desire are thick in the air around us as I catalogue his every feature. Before I can fully respond, he slips his hand into my panties and plunges two fingers deep into my wet sex.

I cry out. Ecstasy invades every facet of my being. His long fingers press high and deep, sending waves of pleasure rippling through me. This is exactly what I wanted. Chase touching me. His thumb searches through my curls and finds the little bundle of nerves nestled there, sliding against it perfectly. He pumps his fingers in and out of me as he circles just the outside rim of my clit, driving me wild. I buck my hips and spread my hands across the mattress, searching for something to grab on to. Anything that will keep me grounded to this earth. I twist the bedding in my fingers as he lifts my shirt, baring my breasts to his waiting mouth. He covers one nipple and flicks the tip, sending naughty little pinpricks to the center of my excitement.

“So good!” I gasp.

I move my head from side to side, frantically trying to hold onto this feeling. It’s overwhelming and unique, just like the man who’s giving it to me. His fingers hook delectably inside me, digging harshly into that effervescing spot deep within. Just when I think I can’t take anymore, his thumb presses in tight circles over my clit as his teeth bite down on my nipple.

Gone. Set off into orbit. Pleasure shoots through my core, light explodes behind my eyes, and the sound of thunder pounds in my ears. I scream his name as my body quakes and convulses in a blinding orgasm.

Chase continues plucking every one of my erogenous zones until there’s nothing left but the automatic shake and twitch of well-used muscles.

He kisses me with languid slow sweeps of his tongue and lips, his fingers still lodged deep within me, almost as if he doesn’t want to leave my heat. I sigh as he gently pulls his hand from my panties. His eyes are so dark it’s like looking into a black hole. With his azure orbs laser-focused on me, he brings his fingers to his mouth and leisurely licks them clean of my essence. A low purr resonates through my chest and out my mouth. His eyebrow lifts into a perfect point as he swirls his tongue around the long digits.

I widen my eyes and grow heavy with lust as my hips set up a slow dance, waiting patiently for more of what I know he can offer.

“You taste so good, baby. I can’t wait to have you. Here, taste.” He kisses me deeply.

I can taste myself on his tongue, and there’s something incredibly erotic and forbidden about it. Everything about Chase seems erotic and forbidden. When we’re both breathless, he leans over me, his weight held up by the strong muscles in his forearms. I stretch, pointing my toes and reaching above my head until I feel relaxed and sated.

“Good?” he asks. The sly grin and cocky tone only make me want to jump him.

Then it dawns on me that he didn’t get anything in return. He goes to pull away, but I reach out and grasp the obvious erection tenting his boxer briefs. Holy shit, he’s big. This is going to be so good. I lick my lips in barely contained anticipation and mentally prepare to be blown away. He stills my hand.

Confusion and hurt play havoc with my frayed emotions. “What about you?” My voice sounds almost like a child’s.

“That was for you, baby. When you’re better, I will fuck you good and hard. That’s when I will make you mine. Until then, we wait.” His words sound brutally honest and shocking said aloud.

I don’t think any of his many business cohorts would believe this well put together man had the sexual predilections of a porn star and mouth to go with it.

Somewhat relieved, I nod. More than anything, I want to please him, but my head is pounding, screaming for relief. I cringe and tremble as last night’s hell comes back to me in bright Technicolor. Unfortunately, even the big O can’t take away those memories. Just one more thing to add to my long list of issues. I shake it off.

Chase cringes but kisses me before getting out of bed. He picks up the medicine bottle, opens it, and shakes out a couple pills. “You’re in pain. I can see it all over your gorgeous face.” He hands the oval pills to me.

Chase thinks I’m gorgeous. The thought has me feeling shy and womanly.

“Thank you. Thank you for…everything.” I look away, avoiding his gaze. I don’t want him to see how vulnerable I am right now. Battered, sleep deprived, chock-full of drugs, and sated from the orgasm he just gave me. All of those things on top of knowing Chase thinks I’m gorgeous… It’s too much.

“Gillian, stop running from me. From this, whatever it is.” He gestures between us.

He waits for me to say something. I don’t think he’s going to move until I respond. I take a deep breath, adjust my shoulders, and look deep into his eyes. “I’ll try.” It’s the best I can do. Allowing a man inside of my body is one thing, inside of my mind and heart is something I promised I’d never do again.

He must realize it’s what I can offer right now because he looks down briefly, tightens his jaw, and nods. Chase leaves me sated and medicated on the rumpled sheets as he heads into the bathroom and starts the shower.

My cell phone rings somewhere across the room. The sound is like a jackhammer being inserted straight into my skull. I make the stupid mistake of jumping up to get it. The concussion sways me, and I almost tumble to the floor. I steady myself against the dresser and glance toward the bathroom to make sure Chase didn’t see me almost lose it again. The last thing I need is another man who thinks he can take care of me. Even if Chase helped me last night, I’ll be damned if I become this weak little victim in his eyes.

I find my phone on top of my clothes nestled in the sitting chair by the large window. In an unladylike fashion, I drop into the cushy armchair and pull it to my ear.

“Hello,” I croak, my voice still raspy from last night.

“Gigi, thank God! I was starting to worry about you.”

The sound of my best friend, Phillip’s, voice calms me. A huge smile splits my face, and then I cringe at the tight skin pulling at my swollen cheek. I lean back in the chair to get comfortable as I spill my guts, glad it’s him and not one of the girls.

“I had a rough night.” Like ripping off a Band-Aid, I figure it’s easier to just spit it out quick and painless. “Phil, I was mugged and landed in the hospital.” Tears pool as I hear him gasp. A few tears build, but I press my little fingers into the edges of my eyes to staunch the flow.

“Gigi, are you okay? Are you still in the hospital?” His voice is thick and gritty. “Do you need me to fly out and come get you?”

Oh, how I love this man. He’s one of the good guys. A lightness fills me. I’m so very thankful.

“No, no, I’m fine. Really. I’m being taken care of.” By Chase, my mind adds wickedly, and I smile. “It was scary though. He held me at gunpoint.” A shiver spirals down my spine, and I stiffen it. This will not break me. I’ve been through worse.

“Oh my God, honey, what happened?”

I tell him the entire story, leaving out the part about coming back to the hotel with Chase, my boss. Phillip and I have very few secrets, but I want to explain the situation with Chase to him in person when Phillip is not distraught.

“Phil, I’m fine. Just shaken up.” I use my brave girl voice.

“I’ll feel better the second I see you, Gigi,” he says softly.

I know it is hard for him to hear I was hurt. We’ve been there for one another since he lost his wife, Angela. He’s seen me through the good and the bad, including what Justin did to me, and then again, after Daniel and I broke up six months ago.

“I’m looking forward to seeing you too. I’ll call you when I get home, I promise.” I press my head against my arm. The pain meds make it feel like a bowling ball.

“Call me when you land. I’ll pick you up,” he suggests.

He won’t rest until he sees that I’m fine. Only I’m not, and he’ll know it. The bruises and marks ringing my neck aren’t going to help. At this point I’m not sure what will.

“I’ll let you know. I have to go to the police station and make my statement today.” I sigh into the phone loudly. So much for the board meeting. I’m going to have to call Taye before I head to the station. I need to update him on what occurred last night and why I won’t be present at the meeting today. He’s going to be furious that I didn’t call him last night.

“I’ll be thinking about you. Anabelle misses you. She drew you a picture.” He laughs lightly.

Phillip’s angelic daughter, Anabelle, is such a light in a dark world. Her blond curly hair and crystal-blue eyes can make any day brighter. I take my duty as her godmother very seriously, especially since her mother died in a car wreck two years ago.

“I miss her. Send her my love and tell her I have a present for her.”

“I love you, Gigi.”

I hear the fear in his voice. Part of me wants to hide what happened to me from him, but the stitches and bruised cheek would lead to more questions and hurt feelings. Besides, I promised him I’d never lie to him.

“I love you too. I’ll see you when I get home, Phillip.” I hang up and exhale. With great effort, I stand and turn around.

Chase is standing halfway across the expanse of the room. His gaze is searing, jaw clenched so tight he could break a tooth.

“Who do you love?” comes out demanding, unforgiving.

I’m caught off guard by the rage pumping off him. I slump against the chair at the angry tone. My hackles rise, and I lift my chin, irritation setting in at his accusatory tone. “Phillip. My best friend.”

“Not your lover?” His eyes blaze.

For a moment, I’m lost. He has a white towel slung low over his waist and tied at one hip. Water drips down his muscled torso. Rivulets trail down the square bumps of his tight abdomen, disappearing into the cotton of the towel at his pelvis. Oh, what I wouldn’t give to be one of those droplets right now. I lick my lips and bite down on the bottom one.

“I asked you a question. I expect an answer.” His voice is cold.

“No. He’s not.” I leave out the part that he once was. Somehow I don’t think that tidbit of information would ease Chase right now. Besides, it was a lifetime ago. Almost as if it were something that happened in a long-forgotten dream.

“I will not share you with another man.” His jaw is tight, the muscles flicking with tension like a rubber band being pulled at both ends, just on the cusp of snapping. “Once I have you, you will be mine, Gillian. Think about that before we go any further.”

His anger infuriates me. Who does he think he is? My knight in shining Armani? “Phillip is my best friend. We’ve been through a lot together, and I will not give him up for any man.” I hold my chin up and cross my arms.

He watches me, detached, his gaze frosty. I don’t care. He doesn’t get to control me. No man does.

“I love him dearly, but I’m not ‘in love’ with him, nor will I ever be.” Now I’m pissed off. “You know what? I don’t need to explain my relationship with Phillip to you. I don’t even know what this is.” I gesture between the two of us.

His towel drops to the floor as he stalks to me.

Holy-Naked-God-Among-Men.

His body is incredible. Tall with broad muscled shoulders that narrow into a tight chest, lean waist and hips, thick muscular thighs, tight strong shins and calves. But nothing is quite as beautiful as his cock. It’s semi-erect, long and thick, bobbing as he makes his way across the room. It’s as if it’s straining to reach me. My mouth waters at the sight, and I want to fall to my knees and wrap my lips around the perfect knobbed head in complete adoration of its beauty.

“You see what you do to me?” He pulls me to him, tightly pressing his naked body against me. The ridge of his now fully erect cock digs into the tender flesh of my belly.

I grapple for purchase on all the slick yummy male skin surrounding me. I whimper. My intense response is carnal, animalistic. I lick his pec, pulling in the taste of fresh water, a hint of soap, and blessed man.

Chase closes me in between the wall of windows and the chair. Standing next to this wide window with a gloriously naked man pressing his tight body to my half-naked one feels electric and exhilarating.

He grasps my nape and kisses me passionately, pressing me against the chair back. Strong hands pull at my thighs, roughly hiking me up to set my bum on the edge. I wrap my legs around his lean waist as he presses his erection against the tiny triangle of fabric covering my sex before deepening the kiss. Chase is all around me and everywhere at once. His sandalwood and fruit scent strong from the shower surrounds me, pulling me into the vortex that is Chase. He wrenches his mouth away roughly. My lips feel prickly and swollen.

“Christ, I could come just from kissing you.” His forehead crinkles and he locks his gaze with mine.

There’s a raging fire of lust that I desperately want to put out. Preferably with my body.

“Chase,” I say breathlessly, nipping at his lips, tugging on the bottom one. He groans and bites back. God, this man makes me insane. One minute he’s scolding me, the next he’s driving me wild with need.

A knock on the suite’s door breaks the spell. I pull tightly against his body, startled by the intrusion. Anger seems to flick on like a switch through Chase as he gives me one last deep kiss, grinding his erection into my parted thighs.

“Soon,” he grates through clenched teeth. He unfurls my leg lock from his waist, helping me to stand against the chair. He sweeps his gaze over my bare legs, up his shirt, and to my swollen lips. It’s as if he’s cataloguing every facet of my body. “You’re perfect wrapped in me,” he says seductively.

I lean, stunned, against the chair, so completely turned on I can hardly function. That orgasm earlier felt like a tiny miniscule appetizer to a feast of pleasure Chase is sure to provide. He picks up the towel he dropped and wraps it back around his waist to answer the door. I want to hiss and boo at the loss of seeing his beautiful body.

“She’ll be ready in an hour,” he says to someone, but it’s muffled. He saunters back into the bedroom. “Jack is going to take you to the station in an hour for your statement. He will bring you back to the hotel.”

I open my mouth to suggest I can take a cab and he stops me.

“Don’t argue with me. This is nonnegotiable.”

And that is that. Discussion over. He enters the closet and pulls out his suit. I throw the scrub pants from last night back on but keep his shirt. It’s nice having something that’s Chase’s on me right now. I have to go. I need time to think, to process everything that’s happened. Last night and this morning. Trying to cope through a mind filled with lust is not doing me any favors. Grabbing my dirty clothes, I venture to the open bathroom door where Chase is at the mirror fixing his hair. The dark layers fall into place as he burrows his fingers through it.

“I’m going to my room to get ready. I’ll meet Jack downstairs.”

He nods and fiddles with a black textured tie around his golden neck. It lies crisply against the stark white of his dress shirt. His dark charcoal suit brings out the gray flecks in his eyes. He’s meticulous in his movements, concentrating on putting on his cuff links. They are small dime-sized circles with a black onyx gem, the sphere lined by silver plating.

“Text me when you’re finished.” His eyes find mine in the mirror, the look almost pleading. His genuine concern makes me nod.

As I’m about to leave, I remember the question I forgot to ask last night. “Hey, why did you pick vanilla, emerald, and Popsicle as the three words you wanted me to remember?”

He grins wickedly and walks me to the hotel room entry. Jack is filling a giant lounge chair in the sitting room, watching as Chase holds open the door. He gestures for Jack to follow me, and I realize this is going to be my new friend for the day. Chase is not letting me go anywhere alone. Since I’m still shaken, having protection isn’t all together uncomfortable. Jack does look like one scary guy.

“You really want to know?” he asks, a sly grin twisting his lips in a way that makes me want to kiss them. I nod and wait patiently.

His smile shows all his pearly white teeth. In a husky voice dripping with innuendo, he says, “You, Gillian, smell like vanilla.” He leans down and inhales loudly before kissing my neck. “That’s the scent I want surrounding me when I look into your emerald eyes as you suck my cock as if you were eating a Popsicle.” He chuckles.

I know my eyes have to be as wide as dinner plates as my chin drops and my mouth gapes open.

“You asked.” He laughs.

Jesus, he paints a sexy, illicit image. Then I realize we’re not alone. Jack has the good grace to look away, a grin plastered across his square face. Heat fans across my cheeks. Chase grabs my shoulders and hauls me against him. He plunders my mouth, giving me a taste of his minty freshness and something uniquely Chase. My knees feel weak and wobbly when he lets me go.

* * *

After I dress, I call Taye. He’s upset that I didn’t call him last night to come to the hospital. I explain that Chase came. Quickly, I detail the oddity of Chase helping me by telling him they found his business card in my jacket pocket from the meeting. The nurses called him, not Taye. It seems reasonable, and technically, it isn’t a lie. He says he will touch base with Mr. Davis at the board meeting and hopes I feel better after making my statement and resting.

Jack escorts me to the police station. The visit is horrifying. A wide array of delinquents and degenerates from all walks of life are being dragged around the facility. Even though I get a handful of stares and disgusting grins, none of them dare approach me. Jack, the “Tank,” snarls like a possessive dog would, protecting its owner when men look my way. The bodyguard must have instructions from Chase, ones he takes very seriously. The big guy doesn’t leave me alone, not even for a minute.

The officer takes me into a quiet room, and Jack follows, standing in the corner watching everything without making a sound. I don’t have much to offer. My attacker came from behind, held me immobile, and then knocked me out. Nothing to see. There is little hope of getting back my belongings or finding the man who attacked me. I express my fear that my attacker has my address and personal information. The officer is less concerned because I live in San Francisco. My attacker is in Chicago, over two thousand miles away. The thought makes me feel a bit better. Not much.

When all the i’s are dotted and the t’s crossed, Jack ushers me to the waiting car. I’m happy he didn’t drive the limo today. That would have felt outlandish at a police station in downtown Chicago.

I take out my cell phone to type Chase a text message.

My phone dings with a message before I can put it back in my pocket.

Those three little words make my heart jump. In the span of two days, this man has become something more than the Chairman of the Board of Safe Haven. Much more. I need time away from him to figure out just how much, as well as to sort out this strange connection we have. Home. That’s where I need to be. Then it dawns on me. How the hell am I going to get home without my driver’s license or identification? Worry trickles along the edges of my tired mind.

I lean my throbbing head against the seat rest and pull the pain medication from my briefcase. It’s all I have since my purse was stolen.

“Here’s a bottle of water, Miss Callahan.” Jack hands me a bottle over the seat. I take it and smile at him in the review mirror. He doesn’t return the gesture.

“Holy Shit! He has a company jet?” I say aloud while staring at the words on my phone. I blow a puff of air toward my heated forehead. “How rich is this guy?” Who really has their own jet? Donald Trump maybe? The president for sure.

“No, Miss Callahan. Mr. Davis does not have ‘a’ jet. He owns a fleet of them.”

My mouth drops to my chin.

“Mr. Davis is worth billions,” Jack adds, very matter of fact.

I start to shake and twist my fingers together. Billions? I knew he was rich, but I had no idea. What could a man like that possibly want with a poor charitable fundraiser from a broken home with a jaded past? Besides, I’m a mess. I have more than my fair share of issues and baggage, much more than any man deserves. God, knowing he’s worth so much, that he’s so valuable, makes me want to run for the hills.

We make our way back to the hotel. My head aches, my heart heavy. The linebacker follows me into the hotel room. He checks the closet, bathroom, under the bed, and behind the curtains. For what, I don’t know. How an intruder would be able to get into a locked hotel room is beyond me, but I allow him to do what he feels is necessary before kicking him out.

“Mr. Davis will come for you this evening at six p.m. Be ready when he arrives. He requests that you not leave the hotel.”

“Oh really? Is that right? You just tell Mr. Davis that I don’t need his permission, but thanks for the concern.” I walk to the door and open it wide for him. The man almost spans the entire space of the door frame. I wonder idly if he used to play football. “Thank you, Jack. For your assistance today at the station.”

Jack leaves with a nod and a frown. Is he ever happy? My guess—probably not.

The end result today was a good reminder for me. I answer to no man. Even if Chase has some misguided notion that I will fall in line like everyone else does around him, he’s dead wrong. I’m no longer the type of woman to bow down to a man’s every whim. I learned that lesson the hard way.

My cell phone pings, and I pluck it out of my briefcase and see his name.

Even from his board meeting he’s trying to control me. Unbelievable.

Space from Chase Davis is necessary. He makes me all googly-eyed and filled with feelings I can’t control. Last night, though, he took care of me. I haven’t been taken care of by a man in years. My last boyfriend Daniel tried, but ended up making me feel smothered. He was just too damned nice all the time. His voice never rose once until the night I asked him to try a different sexual position. That’s when things started to fall apart. Good riddance. He was a lousy lay. I’ve had more pleasure from Chase’s fingers just the once than I had in the better part of a yearlong relationship with Daniel.

Even though Chase is trying to be nice, he doesn’t own me. But you’d like him to, my traitorous subconscious pipes in. I groan, knowing I just need to sleep. My head is killing me and I’ve suffered through a lot. Between the board meeting yesterday, the emotional roller coaster, being mugged, a stint in the hospital, waking up next to Chase, having Chase get me off, and making my statement at the station, I’m a mess. A tired, broken-down mess. Once I’ve rested I’ll be as good as new. Unlike Humpty Dumpty after he falls off the wall, I’ll be able to pull myself together again.

I yank off my jeans and sweater and let them fall to the floor in a clumsy pile. The sheets are crisp and cool as I crawl into the plush bed in my bra and underwear. Sleep takes me instantly.