Page 139 of Fury In Death

She’d have scowled, but she knew it would hurt, and probably start her lip bleeding again.

Because she’d started stiffening up along the drive, hobble is what she did to the elevator. The cat, all but glued to her ankle, got in with her.

“Okay, okay, I get it. You’re upset. I don’t feel real cheery myself, but don’t start. I’ve still got the main event coming up.”

Maybe she wanted to take the elevator to the bedroom, crawl into bed. But he’d be waiting for her, either in his office or hers. He didn’t deserve having her try to avoid him.

And she had work.

The elevator opened in her office. Even as she hobbled out, braced herself, the cat ran straight to the adjoining door, yowled again. Three times.

“Seriously?”

“What’s all this then?” She heard the trace of amusement in Roarke’s voice. “I’ve finished here, yes, but that doesn’t mean you can have another . . .”

He’d come to the doorway. A single glance at her had any trace of amusement falling away.

“I’m sorry. I’m okay, and I’m sorry. Just—”

“Eve. Ah, Eve.” He started toward her.

“Don’t hug me. I’m pretty banged up. I’m okay, but banged up some, that’s all.”

He cupped her face as gently as a man might the most precious of jewels. In contrast his eyes held the rage of all the gods.

“Who did this to you?”

“I’ll explain. I will. I just want you to know it looks worse than it is.”

“Bollocks. Don’t bloody placate me. Come now, lie down over here and we’ll have a look. Did the MTs clear you?”

“Not exactly.”

The blue flames of his eyes scorched her.

“Because you didn’t see them at all, did you? Too bloody stubborn. Then it’s Summerset, and I’ll hear no argument from you on it.”

“She won’t argue,” Summerset said as he came in with a medical bag. “Will you, Lieutenant?”

On the sofa, Eve closed her eyes and prepared for humiliation on top of the pain.

Chapter Twenty

Eve kept her eyes closed.

“Watch the left shoulder. It was dislocated, fixed now, but sore.”

“We’ll need to remove your jacket, your weapon harness. The vest as well.”

“I’ll do it.” Roarke eased her up. “All right now, baby, I’ve got you.”

That fury, she noted, had simmered down. At least for now.

She had to bear down, as however careful he was still had fresh pain shuddering through her.

“Don’t take off my shirt. I’m not giving Summerset a thrill.”

“I believe he can restrain himself, and you’re wearing a support tank, so deal with it.”