Chapter 120
Chapter 120:
June sat on a hard metal bench in the main lobby, holding a styrofoam cup of hot coffee with both hands. Her fingers still trembled slightly as the last of the adrenaline drained from her body.
The door to the precinct’s small medical room opened.
Declan walked out with his suit jacket draped over his left arm. A thick white gauze bandage was wrapped tightly around the back of his right hand — three stitches, the doctor had said. The stark white cuff of his dress shirt was dotted with dried blood.
He crossed the lobby and sat down on the bench beside her.
June turned her head and looked at the bandage. A heavy, uncomfortable knot of genuine guilt settled in her stomach.
“Thank you,” she said quietly. Her voice was slightly hoarse. “You saved my life tonight, Mr. Hayes p>
Declan turned to look at her. The harsh precinct lighting cut sharp shadows across his jaw. The corners of his mouth lifted into a slow, easy smirk.
“It was nothing,” he murmured. “Just a minor traffic dispute p>
A detective approached with a clipboard and handed June a pen. “Sign here, Ms. Erickson. The suspect has two prior felonies. He won’t be going anywhere for a long time p>
June took the pen. Her hand was perfectly steady as she signed.
T𝘩𝖾 𝘣𝘦𝗌𝘵 𝗋𝘦𝗏𝗶ewѕ 𝗈𝗇
She stood, pulling her trench coat tighter around her body. Declan rose beside her, picking up his Aston Martin keys with his bandaged hand.
“My car is still drivable,” he said, his tone leaving no room for debate. “I am taking you home p>
June glanced at the pitch-black windows of the precinct. She knew her limits. She gave a single nod.
They walked out into the cold night air and got into the silver Aston Martin. The passenger side panel was dented, but the engine turned over without hesitation. Inside the cabin, sealed from the outside world, the air carried the scent of rich leather and Declan’s cedarwood cologne. The physical closeness of the small space made everything feel slightly heavier.
Declan drove with one hand on the wheel. The car glided onto the Manhattan Bridge.
At a red light, he turned his head and looked at her — exhausted, pale, and striking in the low dashboard light.
His voice dropped an octave. “My penthouse is five minutes from here,” he said smoothly. “Come up. Have a real cup of coffee to settle your nerves p>
The invitation was unmistakable. The air in the cabin shifted.
June’s eyes moved to his face. The exhaustion in her expression gave way to absolute, crystalline clarity.
She understood precisely what he was doing. If she walked into his apartment tonight, every professional boundary between them would be permanently erased.
She sat up straight and looked directly into his eyes.
“Mr. Hayes,” she said, her voice crisp and entirely without warmth. “I am deeply grateful for your bravery tonight. But I believe we are far better suited to drinking coffee in a corporate boardroom p>
Declan raised an eyebrow. He was genuinely surprised. Most women would have dissolved after a rescue like that. June was reinforcing the walls of her fortress.
She didn’t stop there.
Message from Noa: Hope you have a great day. God loves you and Noa wishes you all the best. (ɔO‿=)ɔ ♥