Page 93 of Defend Her Heart

“Let me know when you think you can stand.”

Avery nods into me but doesn’t say anything.

Sadie lowers back to her knees and grabs Avery’s hand. “I’m going to head out to give you two some space and time to chat. You got this?” she asks.

“Of course. Thank you for taking care of my girl.”

Sadie smirks, and I realize what I just said. Oh well. If I have it my way, Avery will be more than just my girl after all is said and done. Sadie gives Avery’s hand a squeeze and then stands to leave. We remain on the lobby floor for a few minutes. People are walking by, wondering what the hell isgoing on, but I pay them no mind. They need to keep their eyes forward and mind their own fucking business.

Avery turns her head so she’s looking at me. “I don’t know if I’m ready to walk. Maybe you can move me to the chairs so we can get out of everyone’s way?”

I have a better idea.

I stand and reach down, scooping Avery into my arms so I’m cradling her. Instead of taking her to the chairs in the lobby, I walk straight back to the private elevator. Avery doesn’t protest, she simply drops her head on my shoulder again and closes her eyes.

The doorman jogs up to the elevator, scanning his own card so I don’t have to reach into my wallet and get my own. I give him a nod in thanks after he pushes the button for the penthouse. The ride up to my apartment is quiet until I hear Avery sniffle. When I look down, her eyes are still closed but there’s a lone tear falling down her cheek. I lean down and kiss her softly on the forehead just as the elevator comes to a stop.

Not wasting a single second, I carry Avery into the master bedroom and lay her down on my bed.

“Why am I in your bed? You can take me to my room.”

Brushing my thumb across her cheek to wipe away a tear, I lean in and kiss her gently on the lips. “I’m going to run you a bath. Is that okay?”

She closes her eyes and nods, hiccupping, trying to keep the tears at bay. “I’ll be right back.” I lean down and kiss her one more time then jog into my bathroom to prepare her a bath.

I’m a big dude, but I love a good soak, so I look underneath the sink and pull out some Epsom salt, candles, and lavender bubble bath. Remembering what I read online about heat exasperating POTS symptoms, I find the right temperature, not scalding but warm enough that she won’t catch a chill, and set everything up for her.

After everything’s ready, I walk back out to my bedroom and scoop Avery up again.

“I can probably walk ten steps into the bathroom, you big ogre.”

Hearing Avery make a joke eases the anxiety that’s coursing through me after everything that’s happened this afternoon.

I shake my head. “What fun would that be?”

Avery laughs quietly, and then I set her on the counter next to the sink. I give her a once-over, noticing the sadness that her eyes still carry, but the color is returning to her cheeks.

“I read online that hot tubs and heat aren’t great for POTS so I hope the water isn’t too cold for you.”

Avery gives me a soft smile. “Thanks. I’m not sure if my fainting was POTS related or I was just overwhelmed from…everything.”

I nod, then reach for the hem of her shirt. “Let me help you, just in case.”

“Connor.” She says my name in an accusatory tone.

“I promise, there’s no funny business. I won’t even look. Just…let me help you. You scared me down there, Aves.”

Avery nods, and I help her remove her shirt. I keep my eyes focused on the wall behind her and help her down off the counter. Next, I help her shimmy out of her leggings and immediately turn around to face the other direction.

“I’ll be out in my room. Call out if you need anything.”

“Thanks. I will.”

I nod to nobody then turn and leave the room. Hopping onto the bed, I pull my phone out of my pocket and pull up my social media app. I’m about to learn everything there is to know about Bryan fucking Murphy. He’s going to wish he wasn’t playing against me tomorrow.

I pull up his page and spend the next few minutes creeping his photos. He’s just as douchey as I remember. Every pictureis of him flaunting his money in some way. I’m clicking on a shot of him and a Lamborghini that my six-foot-five ass would never be able to fit into when I hear Avery.

I set my phone down and swing my legs over the bed, checking to see if I heard what I think I did. There it is again. Avery isn’t just crying. She’s sobbing. Without a second thought, I’m rushing to the door.