Scared.
Cera slid a hidden glance in his direction.
Just as he had been since he first arrived at the hospital, Ivan was standing in the room’s far corner, near the door. His broad back was leaning against the stark white wall behind him, those strong, muscular arms that had lifted her so gently from the concrete were crossed tightly at his chest.
An angry scratch marred the skin of his rugged right cheek and his shirt had been ripped in several places. One knee of his jeans had been shredded when Ivan had hit the ground, the denim’s frayed edges darkened with what she could only assume was blood.
But it was the look in Ivan’s eyes as he stared straight into hers that left Cera’s pulse racing with fear…and her stomach clenching with dread.
He looks mad enough to kill.
Not that she could blame him. How could she? It was because of her that his SUV had exploded into a burning pile of metal and ash less than two blocks from where the guy worked.
She couldn’t imagine publicity like that being good for business. Of course, nearly getting blown to bits wasn’t exactly good for one’s health, either.
So yeah. The guy’s murderous gaze was more than a little justified.
He could’ve died today. Ivan could have been killed trying to protect you—a stranger—and it would’ve been all your fault.
Only they didn’t feel like strangers. Not to Cera. Not anymore.
Though they’d only known each other a day, there’d been a noticeable shift in their…what should she call it? “Relationship” didn’t seem like the right word, and yet…
If you started to fall, I’ll be right here, waiting to catch you.
Cera’s hand rose to her mouth without conscious thought or intended effort. She could almost feel the feather-light touch of his lips as they’d brushed against hers back at the suite.
It had been so faint, in fact, she’d almost questioned whether the sweet kiss had truly existed.
But it had. The memory of that moment was forever engrained inside her. Even now, after nearly dying, the residual tingling brought on by the sweet gesture’s memory was present.
So close. I was so, so close.
Ivan had almost convinced her it was possible. That shecouldlet go of the crushing weight felt by not only her past, but her present. And, while absolutely heartbreaking, the open and honest conversation they’d shared over lunch had also been reassuring.
She’d been surprised when Ivan began sharing with her the awful story of what had happened to his youngest sister. Different, yet such similar tragedies shared between them.
Ones no man or woman should ever have to endure.
But through the sharing of those same tragedies, a unique bond had been forged between them. A deeply rooted connection Cera had once believed she could never find.
They were kindred spirits, she and Ivan. At least, she’d started to think they were. But now, thanks to the asshole stalking her, she’d probably lost him, too.
Can’t really lose what was never yours.
“Miss Davidson?”
Cera blinked, her frozen gaze tearing away from his and returning to the woman looking back at her expectantly. “I’m sorry, what?”
Dr. Huhn’s dark brows furrowed slightly. “I asked if you had any questions.”
Oh, she had all kinds of questions. Just none this woman could answer.
“Uh…no.” Cera started to shake her head but thought better of it. “I’m good.”
A low grunt came from the corner of the room, and she and the kind doctor both turned in Ivan’s direction. When he didn’t elaborate further, Dr. Huhn went on to let Cera know what would happen next.
“If there aren’t any further questions or concerns, I’ll go get your discharge orders written up. A nurse will be by shortly to go over those with you before you leave.”