When the elevator stopped on our floor, I reached over and took her hand, clasping it in mine. Surprisingly, she didn’t try to pull away. For whatever reason, I wanted to touch her, to console her if only a little.
I retrieved her apartment key from my pocket and inserted it into the lock when we stopped at her door. She was directly across the hall from Mr. Parker, which didn’t surprise me in the least. He liked to keep me close, so it only made sense that he would want to keep Addison close as well.
Once unlocked, I pushed open the door and stepped back out of the way, allowing her to go in first.
She didn’t say anything, but I could tell by her expression that she was shocked by the accommodations. The apartment was fully furnished with expensive furniture and high-end appliances and electronics. Not only that but we’d also had her new wardrobe delivered, as well as hygiene items that she would need. I’d gone so far as to have makeup ordered as well. Not much, because she didn’t need it, but with Judy’s help, I did get most of what she would possibly want should she decide to use it.
When she turned to face me, Addison’s eyes were glassy with tears.
“Come here, precious girl.” I held out my arms and she walked right into them.
Curling my hand around the back of her head, I pulled her against me. She was doing her best not to cry and I respected her for that.
I knew better than to say anything. She already had plenty to work through, so I kept the words to myself, but I wanted her to know she was safe with us. We would protect her, show her how important she was to those around her. For whatever reason, Addison had been placed in our path and I was a firm believer that these things happened for a reason. The fact that Mr. Parker and I were in a position to help her only cemented that fact.
As I’d expected, Addison didn’t let herself fall apart. She straightened her spine, then stepped back from me. I reluctantly released her.
“You smell good,” she said with a watery chuckle.
I smiled back at her. “I want you to accept this for the opportunity that it is. Both personally and professionally. And believe it or not, the two can coexist. I’m proof of that. I submit to Mr. Parker twenty-four seven. It can sometimes be confusing because I’m his equal when it comes to business.” Cupping her face, I leaned closer. “But I don’t want you to rush it. We’ll give you all the space you need to get comfortable.”
Addison smiled, and for the first time, it actually reached her eyes. “I’m already comfortable. But I appreciate it all the same.”
I released her and took a step back mostly to keep from kissing that damn delectable mouth.
“Now get settled. You’ll find food in the refrigerator, but remember, Mr. Parker has asked you to join us for dinner tonight.”
She didn’t look away. “What time?”
“Probably around six.”
“Okay.”
“Do me a favor?”
Addison nodded.
“Don’t push Mr. Parker away. I know that’s probably your first instinct, but he’s one of the good ones. And he needs to take care of you for whatever reason. We both do.” I held up my hand before she could speak. “We’re not asking for anything more. Just let us do this for you. There’ll be plenty of time for you to prove yourself in the coming months.”
Fortunately, Addison nodded.
Unable to help myself, I moved in close again. I couldn’t seem to keep my distance from this girl.
I leaned down and met her gaze, tilting her chin up and sliding my thumb over her smooth, warm cheek. “I’ll see you at dinner tonight. We’ve got quite a few more things to discuss.”
“Like the contract?” Her smile was genuine.
“Yes. And limits as well as other things. Is that all right with you?”
“Yes. Definitely.”
With that, I turned and left her standing there. I didn’t want to, but I knew she needed some space, some time to wrap her head around everything that had happened.
And I was nothing if not patient.
Granted, the same couldn’t be said for my Dom.
And I was sure Addison would learn that soon enough.
Twelve
ADDISON
FOR TWO SOLID HOURS, I wandered aimlessly around my new apartment, sitting on the bed, the sofa, touching every light switch, turning on the faucets, turning them off, pulling out the dishes, putting them back. By the time I was sitting in the cushiony dining room chair, I was pretty sure I’d touched every single surface in that place at least twice.
Of all the crazy shit!
Yep, that strange squeezing sensation in my chest was my heart. It was still pitter-pattering rapidly while my lungs worked desperately to keep up.
