Chapter 207
Chapter 207:
I cracked the door open the moment I heard footsteps. I kept it barely ajar, just enough to see Franklin bolt down the stairs like his arse was on fire. I couldn’t catch his expression—no clue if he’d gotten what he came for or if Ashton had kicked him to the curb. I stepped out.
Ashton came out of the study at the same time.
“Did you check your phone?” I rushed towards him. “You didn’t actually give him that project, did you? Tell me you didn’t agree to work with that dodgy little shipping company p>
He kept walking, heading straight for the staircase.
What did that silence mean? My stomach clenched.
I didn’t know the ins and outs of his business deals, but Franklin was slick and shameless.
“Wait—seriously? You didn’t fall for it, did you? If you trust him, he’ll screw you over. You really didn’t see my messages?” Still nothing. Not a word.
He headed downstairs.
I followed, practically breathing down his neck. The stairs were narrow and polished, and I was barefoot.
I stepped on the back of his shoe. Hard.
The second I lost balance, my hand flew out. I grabbed his arm before I could crash to the floor.
He caught me like he’d expected it—just reached back, curled one hand around my waist, and pulled me into his chest.
Then he shifted his grip and hoisted me up with one arm, carrying me down the stairs.
“You managed to trip over yourself,” he said, almost amused. “What do you do when I’m not around? Walk into traffic p>
gⱯ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀.𝗰𝗈n – 𝓶𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗻
My stomach had dipped when he lifted me—brief, weightless, like my body hadn’t caught up to itself.
Then I landed against his chest, warm and solid, my cheek brushing the collar of his shirt. I wrapped my arms around his neck before I could think. My ears started burning.
“Put me down,” I muttered. “I can walk.” His arm stayed locked around my back.
He glanced at me. My hair had come loose across my face, and I hadn’t fixed it. I still hadn’t caught my breath from nearly eating the stairs.
His eyes lingered.
I narrowed mine. “What are you staring at p>
He didn’t answer. Just kept walking, straight through the hallway and into the kitchen. Still holding me.
He carried me with one arm and poured water with the other.
When he finally set me down, his grip didn’t ease until both my feet touched the floor.