Instead of making her back-off, she took his other hand too. The image was unusual and strangely endearing. When she took a clean dish rag to dry his hands and examine them, she looked so distressed. “Why would you do that? Why would you hurt yourself in such a way? The blood has stopped, but maybe it would be better to put something on them to avoid infection. Would ice help maybe?”
Deva was about to intervene, but Aleksei acted first. Liam thought his brother would push her aside and grumble away, but instead, he took his hands back gently and offered her a faint grin. “Thank you for caring, little one.”
The smile that bloomed on her face was once more fascinating. “I do care. I hate to see anyone hurt. Don’t hurt yourself, okay?”
Baffled, Aleksei opened and closed his mouth before Deva finally cut through to save him.
“While Aleksei tends to his wounds and takes a much-needed shower, let me show you the apartment one floor down where you’ll be staying.”
Liam winked at Deva as Aleksei escaped and Catriona didn’t have a clue of what just happened.
The smell of fresh paint wafted as they approached the apartment. The place was luminous with vast windows and white walls. The decoration was a beautiful mix of gray and teal, giving the space a warm glow. The couch in the living room looked incredibly comfortable compared to his own furniture.
“There are two bedrooms, they’re small, but we’ve just finished them. There’s one bathroom, the shower stall is ready unfortunately not the bath. The kitchen still needs some work, but the sink is functional. I’ll bring a microwave and small fridge later on so you can at least get some food in. However, you’re welcome upstairs any time you like.”
Liam nodded, but he didn’t think he would impose on his brother more than they already were.
“Let me know if you need anything else. You can put up a Christmas tree if you like.”
Liam didn’t say anything, but he wouldn’t waste any time on that. He never did.
“Thank you, Deva. Sorry to impose on you again. Hopefully, we’ll either close the case fast or find another safe place.”
“Oh, please! Next time you need something like that, call me directly.” And she turned to Catriona. “That was for you.” And with a wink, she left.
Alone in the space, Liam let go of Chewy so he could explore and fill the awkward silence. Or maybe it was only him because Catriona seemed as peaceful and at ease as ever.
“How about I go get all the paperwork at the station so we can get started?”
The intention was noble, but it was more survival and the need to be alone that his brain came up with that idea.
“I’ll go with you.”
He feared that would be her answer. “Maybe you should rest, unpack.”
That was when she detached herself from her examination of the room to turn her fascinating golden eyes to him and he knew his tactic had failed.
Without a single word but with her usual smile, she went to the door and called for Chewy, who had since turned traitor. Liam bit back a curse, and as he went to the door, wondered if he shouldn’t start asking a higher power for the strength to carry on.
