Craving My Ruthless Ceo novel Chapter 30

Chapter 30: Bringing Her To My Home

Roman’s POV

That deranged monster

My hands clenched into fists as I thought about Drago, about what he’d tried to do to her. What he would have done if I hadn’t listened to my gut and sent Thomas to follow her.

The image of her pressed against that desk, his hands on her, his body trapping hers wouldn’t leave my mind. It carved itself into my brain, burning through my control. It set my blood on fire, dragging every violent instinct I possessed to the surface. I wanted to go back and finish what I’d started. Wrap my hands around his throat and squeeze until he breathed his last. But my men were already handling it, and I had to trust them.

We drove through the darkened streets of Manhattan, the city lights blurring past the windows. Anna’s head rested against my shoulder, her breathing soft and even. She had fallen asleep almost immediately after we pulled away from that hellhole.

I looked down at her, studying her face in the dim light filtering through the car windows. Even with the bruises forming and the cut on her lip, she looked peaceful. Safe. That was all that mattered right now.

Thomas navigated through the late-night traffic with practiced ease, eventually turning onto Park Avenue. He pulled into the private entrance of my building and descended into the underground parking garage. The space was filled with my collection, sleek vehicles lined up in designated spots, each one worth more than most people’s houses. But I barely glanced at them as Thomas parked near the private elevator.

I looked down at Anna again and nudged her gently. “Anna. Wake up.”

Her eyes fluttered open, confusion clouding those hazel depths as she blinked up at me.

I lifted her face slightly, making sure she was fully awake. “Wake up. We’re here.”

She looked around, taking in the unfamiliar surroundings. “Where?” Her voice was hoarse, still heavy with sleep.

“We’re at my home.”

Her eyes widened. “I’ve never been to your home before.”

She sat up abruptly, the grogginess vanishing. “Your home? Why? I thought you were going to drop me at mine. I fell asleep, I…” She tried to adjust herself, pulling away from me.

I placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her frantic movements. “Calm down.” My voice was firm but gentle.” There was no way I was dropping you at your place after what that psycho did to you. Your home is the first place he’ll look for you. You’re safer here.”

Understanding dawned in her eyes, and she slowly nodded.

“Let’s get you inside and comfortable.” I guided her forward, my hand settling at her back as Thomas opened the car door.

I stepped out first, then reached back to help her. She took my hand, and I steadied her as she emerged from the car, her movements still shaky.

We walked to the private elevator, and I kept my arm around her waist, holding her close as the doors slid

open.

When the elevator opened directly into my penthouse, Eva was there, my house manager, always efficient and prepared.

“Mr. Blackwood.” She smiled warmly. “Great to have you back.”

“Thanks, Eva.”

She nodded to Anna. “Hello, miss.”

Anna straightened slightly, trying to pull here together “Aims J Anna.”

C

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Chapter 30: Bringing Her To My Home

“Eva, get me the first aid kit,” I instructed, then looked down at Anna. “Do you want anything? Water? Food?”

Anna shook her head.

“That special tea,” I told Eva. “It would be great for her.”

Eva smiled knowingly. “On it.”

She disappeared down the hall, and I led Anna through the foyer into the living area. Large windows overlooked the city, Manhattan’s lights spread out below.

I guided her to the sofa, my touch gentle despite the storm raging inside me.

“Welcome to my home, Anna.” My voice came out rougher than I intended. “Make yourself comfortable.”

She eased back onto the cushions, a slight wince crossing her face, and I had to shove my hands into my pockets to keep from reaching for her again.

She looked around, her eyes wide as she took in the space. The contemporary decor and the original artwork I’ d spent years collecting. I couldn’t miss the awe in her expression.

“Your home is beautiful,” she whispered, her voice soft with genuine wonder. “I didn’t think…”

“You thought I was living in some villain’s cave? All dark corners and sinister plotting?”

She actually chuckled at that, the sound surprising us both. “That’s not what I meant. But it’s incredible.”

I was glad she was chuckling, that some of the fear had left her eyes. Unable to hold myself back, I reached out and brushed my thumb across her lip, where blood had smeared and dried.

“That bastard…” I cursed under my breath, anger surging fresh through my veins. “I should have strangled him. Should have.”

Anna caught my hand, holding it gently.

The touch sent electricity straight through me. “You gave him quite the beating. He’s probably going to end up in the hospital for days. So don’t… just don’t torture yourself.”

I went completely still, my eyes locked on her face. On the split lip. The bruise formed along her cheekbone. The bump on her forehead that made me want to commit murder.

“Look at what he did to you.” My voice cracked despite my best efforts. “I can’t just…”

My words cut off as Eva returned with the kit and a steaming cup of tea on a small tray.

“The tea,” Eva said, setting it on the coffee table. “Chamomile and lavender. It will help you relax, miss. Ease the nerves after a difficult evening.”

I took the kit and the tea from her. “Thank you, Eva.”

“Thank you,” Anna echoed softly.

Eva gave us both a soft smile before disappearing down the hallway, reading the room perfectly as always.

I placed the kit on the center table and looked at Anna. “Come closer.”

Anna looked at me shyly through her lashes, and my chest tightened. Even battered and scared, even after everything she’d been through, there was still an innocence about her. A light that the bastard hadn’t managed to put out.

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