“Let me check my files. Here it is.” He named a building that was close by. Alex sped towards it. He barely managed to park safely before he was out and running. Fear filled him, stirring his temper.
What the hell was she doing working this late anyway? She had no business wandering around late at night on her own.
He pounded on the door until a security guard appeared on the other side. The skinny guard shook his head and pointed at his watch.
Alex glared at him. He had a tentative hold over his temper and it wouldn’t take much to push him over the edge. Luckily, Tara walked up beside the guard before he could explode. She said something to the guard and Alex watched as the younger man unlocked the door.
He barrelled inside as soon as the doors opened and grabbed Tara by the shoulders, running his gaze over her body.
“Are you okay? What happened? Did that bastard hurt you?”
Tara looked at him slightly shell-shocked. “I’m fine. You didn’t have to come down here.”
“Of course I did.” Did she really think he could just sit at home after that phone call?
“Well, I’m fine as you can see, you can go home now,” she said dismissively.
Alex frowned. “I’m not going anywhere,” he said firmly. He glanced over her head at the curious security guard.
“Have you called the police?” he asked the guard who looked to be in his twenties.
“Tara didn’t want me to,” the kid replied.
Alex frowned down at her. “We’re calling the cops.”
“No,” she replied.
He gave her a stern look. “You were assaulted and robbed.”
“He didn’t touch me and all he got was my cell phones and an empty wallet. Thank God my laptop is at home.”
“That’s not the point. You were robbed and terrorized. He needs to be in jail.” He glanced over at the security guard. “Call the police.”
The guard moved to his desk.
“Don’t, Rob,” Tara said to the guard who paused. “I don’t want them called.” She stared up at Alex stubbornly.
Oh no way. This was not how things were going to go. He was in charge of her safety. From now on there was no way she would be permitted to walk around by herself at night.
He cupped her face between his big hands, marveling at their differences. His hands were huge against her delicate face. Far darker and rougher than her pale, delicate skin.
Alex lowered his voice as he stared into her amber eyes. “We are calling the police, Tara. You will give them your statement and then I’m going to take you home, understand?”
She opened her mouth and he quickly interjected. “And any more protest is only going to land you in world of trouble.”
Tears filled her eyes and he almost relented as she seemed to deflate right in front of him. But then she rallied, her shoulders going back and that glimpse of vulnerability he’d seen was gone.
“Fine, if it’s that important to you.”
Leaning in, he whispered. “It is. Don’t worry, I’ll be right here with you. I promise.”
“Tara, you okay with this guy?”
Alex glared at the security guard as he stepped toward them. His Adam’s apple bobbed nervously, but he held Alex’s gaze. Alex’s estimation of him rose.
“Rob, was it?” he asked. The kid nodded. “Thank you for looking after Tara. I really appreciate it.” He held out his hand and the boy shook it. Alex could tell he was nervous but he had a firm grip. “I promise, there is nowhere safer for her than with me.” He sent Tara a look, wanting her to understand that he meant what he said.
“If I had a girl as great as Tara I wouldn’t let her take the bus late at night,” the kid said.