Gentleman Sinner

Theo’s wide, crazy eyes fall back on to me. They clear the moment he finds me. He dips and lifts me into his arms, and I do nothing to stop him. And I bury my face in his chest, not for comfort, but because I can’t face the carnage that’s been left in his wake. He takes a few long paces, his breathing laboured, and comes to a stop, turning. I open my eyes and see Susan still tucked away in the corner, her face terrified. Guilt consumes me. I know he wouldn’t harm her. But she doesn’t.

‘If you won’t deal with this, then I will,’ Theo vows, before carrying me out of the office.

When I see the gathering of people outside – some staff, some patients – I resume hiding, sinking my face into Theo’s chest and letting the tears roll. I’ve secretly wished for this my entire life. A man who would protect me, fight off the bad, and make me feel safe.

Now I have it.

And I’m worried it might be the worst thing that’s ever happened to me.Chapter 17

I don’t recall much of the journey to Theo’s, my mind in too much disarray. But I felt his heart strumming wildly under me when he climbed into the car with me attached to his chest, and I felt it calm slowly as he massaged my head and dropped constant kisses in my hair. I felt the corners Callum took in the car, and I felt us ease to a stop – at lights, junctions, and roundabouts – until we had stopped for the last time. My phone ringing is what rouses me from my despondent state, my numb mind coming to life and reminding me that I should be at home with wine and my best friend. Not here dealing with the aftermath of Theo’s temper.

‘Jess,’ I croak, forgetting myself for a moment and trying to break away from Theo’s chest to find my mobile. He hisses, stiffening, and I freeze as he growls in warning.

‘Fuck’s sake, Izzy,’ he spits, his chest expanding on a deep, calming inhale. Right or wrong, this only angers me more.

‘Then let me go,’ I snap as the door opens, courtesy of Jefferson.

‘Miss White.’ He nods, standing back from the car to give Theo room to get out, his big arms holding me tightly against him, refusing to release me.

‘My phone.’

‘Callum has it.’ Theo dismisses me, striding towards the house, and I look back over his shoulder, seeing Callum with my phone to his ear, following us. Only once we’re inside his mansion does Theo set me on my feet, his hands holding me in place to ensure my stability. ‘Okay?’ he asks, looking me over.

‘Fine,’ I say curtly, turning to Callum and ignoring the routine delivery of a tumbler filled with Scotch in exchange for Theo’s jacket.

Callum’s eyes fall to mine, my phone poised at his ear. ‘Would you like me to pick you up?’ he asks, glancing away. I can only assume Jess’s answer is quick, because Callum soon says, ‘I’m on my way,’ before hanging up and handing my phone to me. ‘Jess would like me to pick her up.’ He’s straight-faced, giving nothing away.

I take my phone. ‘I got that.’ I turn back to Theo, who’s placing his empty glass on the tray. He made quick work of that drink. Good for him. I’m about to make quick work of him. ‘We need to talk.’ I flash him a fierce stare. ‘Now.’ I don’t want to sound cocky, but I’m pretty sure my big, strapping, formidable, hardcase boyfriend looks a little worried by the prospect.

‘Do you want a drink?’ he asks, looking past me to his housemaid.

‘No.’

‘You need to eat,’ he tries, indicating the dining room across the hall. ‘I’ll have the cook prepare you something.’

‘No, I want you in that office.’ I point past him, my jaw tight. ‘Now.’

He peeks out the corner of his eye to me, nibbling his bottom lip. I’m definitely not imagining it. He’s worried. Good. I hope he’s considering the damage he’s just caused.

As Theo continues to assess just how much of a pissed-off female is before him, I glance around the hall, seeing Callum backing away, cautious, and Jefferson looking more stunned than a hooligan who’s just been hit with a Taser. Theo doesn’t take orders from anyone. People don’t talk to him like this. Well, I do. I return my attention to Theo and step forward. He doesn’t retreat. ‘Are we talking, or am I leaving?’

He closes his eyes in defeat, lifting his hand for me to take. I ignore it and storm past him, entering his regal office and planting myself in a chair opposite his desk. Two seconds later the door closes, and a few seconds after that, a very cautious-looking Theo appears, rounding his desk as he unfastens his tie.