Sophie spent the night in the hospital for observation but was discharged the next morning, her hand splinted and on crutches for the sprained ankle. Lei walked beside her as Connor pushed her wheelchair out of the hospital toward one of Security Solutions’ SUVs.
“I want you to come to my place,” Connor said. “There’s better security.” He had spent the night in a chair by her bedside holding her hand, and she’d been glad of the company.
“No. I want to go to my own place. Mary Watson’s,” Sophie said.
“Why does she need security?” Lei scrunched her brow. “‘Kamehameha III’ is safely in the morgue. I am going to have to do an official debrief with you, anyway.”
“She needs security because that scumbag Assan Ang is still loose. I don’t want her to take any chances,” Connor said.
Sophie’s brain felt sluggish from the remains of the concussion and pain medication, but she struggled to assess her choices.
Connor’s place was out. She was not ready to be alone with him in his home, even for a short time—it felt too much like giving ground, like making a commitment. Calling for him when she was vulnerable was all she felt capable of right now.
Mary Watson’s identity and home were secret—but how secret would her alter ego be with Connor, Marcella, Jake, and Lei all visiting her there?
“Take me to my father’s apartment,” she rasped. “They have good security. And Lei—can you pick up my dog? I miss Ginger.”
She told her friend where to get Ginger, and sighed as Connor settled her into the buttery leather of the high-end SUV. “Thank you.”
He slammed the door harder than necessary.
She glanced over at Connor as he hopped into the driver’s seat. His eyes were a brief blaze of turquoise in his stubbled face as they met hers, then he turned on the vehicle, put it in gear, and focused on the road. His linen shirt was crumpled from sleeping in the armchair, and so were his black slacks, and even unshaven and disheveled, he was almost too handsome. “I don’t like it.”
“You don’t have to like it. But thanks for coming and helping me, anyway.” She made her voice firm and low.
“I want to put an operative on you. I haven’t found Ang since he escaped.”
“I’m okay with you putting an operative on me—it’s your company, and I’m an employee who’s taken a few too many hits lately.” Sophie sighed. “I told you that Assan knows how to stay off the grid. And he has a lot of contacts and people who owe him all over the world.”
“He must, if I can’t find him. I can protect you at my place, though.”
“It’s not your job to protect me.”
“Isn’t it?” Again, the brief blaze of his eyes. “I can’t lose you now that I found you. Damn it.”
“No, it isn’t your job to protect me. I can protect myself just fine.” Stubbornness and pride drove her words. She glanced over at Connor.
His lips were pinched, his jaw tight. He radiated frustration. “These situations you keep getting into are not reassuring me that you have it all together.”
“Just ask Blackthorne who won our little standoff yesterday,” Sophie said. “Getting injured on the job is part of the risk of my work, as you well know. But I’m not an idiot. I know Assan is a huge threat and not to be underestimated. After what he had done to the last guy I kissed…well, you’re in danger too. Because of all of that, I would appreciate it if you’d stay with me at my father’s apartment until I get back on my feet.”
Connor slanted her a glance that made her toes curl. “You sure about that?”
“I am.” She stroked his arm with her good hand, and smiled.