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Disclaimer: All character belong the Kelley Armstrong.

Chapter 7

Chloe's P.O.V.

I groaned as I forced my head up, groggily opening my blue eyes. The back of my head burst with tremendous pain as I gasped for breath.

Derek looked over at me, his face relieved that I was awake.

"Wh-what happened?" I asked, my voice rather unstable and hoarse.

"You were knocked out. I just called the police. Malloy attacked you." Derek spat, venom in his voice as he spoke of Liam Malloy.

"Where are we going?" I asked, referring to why he was driving so rapidly.

"The hospital." Derek said simply as he slowed down the car.

"What? I can't go to the hospital. Just take me home, give me an Advil, and I'll be fine."

"No. We're going to the hospital." Derek said, his eyes focused on the chaotic street.

"I really don't need it. Don't do this." I pleaded with Derek.

He turned his head, watching me. I stared back fiercely.

"I'm dropping you off at my place." Derek said finally.

"What?" I questioned, taken aback by his statement.

"You're clearly not well. If you insist not to go to a hospital, then I'll let you rest at my house." Derek said simply.

"I-I really couldn't intrude." I said, confused by his approach.

"Too bad." Derek stated, pulling out of one road and into another. "It's happening. I'll drive you back home later, when you're better."

"I'm really fine." I said, but my body betrayed me, I groaned as the back of my head eruption with pain.

Derek was silent for a few long minutes as we drove to his apartment.

"I'm owing you quite a few favors now." I said, trying to lighten the mood.

"Yeah. You are." Derek stated.

"I really appreciate this, you know. You've done a lot for me." I said, ignoring the pain in my skull.

"This is my fault," Derek whispered. "I should have said no, then none of this would have happened."

"Oh please, don't take pity on yourself, I was stupid. I knew what happened there at night. I should have waited inside the restaurant for you. They never would have gotten near me if I was with you. I was being clueless and stupid. Don't blame yourself if I don't blame you."

Derek nodded slightly as we pulled up next to his apartment building. Immediately I recognized it, it was one of the most expensive apartment buildings in Manhattan. I swung my gaze over to Derek, my jaw hanging open.

"You live here?" I asked Derek, incredulously.

Derek nodded softly, not looking at me. "Let's go," Derek said, opening his car door. "Wait. Let me help you out." Derek called out before running to the other side of the car and opening the door for me.

I was sure I was blushing but I hoped that the darkness concealed it. He held out his hand, which I grabbed, and gently pulled me out.

"Thanks," I said withdrawing my hand from his. The second I did I nearly toppled to the ground. Derek caught me and pulled me along into the gorgeous lobby.

A brilliant chandelier hung from the ceiling, brightening up the glorious room. I stood there, awe-struck with the beauty. Light blue walls surrounded me, white crown molding detailing the walls. The clean, white floor glittered as Derek picked me up and walked to the main elevator.

"I can't believe you live here," I said, still mesmerized by the building. "Celebrities live here!"

"Only one, and she's not that big." Derek murmured as he punched the third button of the elevator.

"You sound spoiled. You must make millions!"

Derek helped me out of the elevator as and we walked down the long corridor to his front door.

Derek unlocked the door and I marveled at the beauty of his magnificent apartment. The walls were an off white shade, littered with family photographs. He walked me over to the sofa, setting me down quickly as his phone rang.

"Hello?" Derek's deep voice grumbled into the cell phone.

Derek was silent for a moment, then his face twisted with anger. "He's not there? Yeah… of course. Around 6'0, straight shaggy blonde, blue eyes…. Yeah, he's an author… He did attack me, and my friend as well… Thank you very much, officer."

I watched Derek run his fingers through his hair as he collapsed next to me.

"Police?" I asked, even though I already knew the answer.

Derek nodded, his jaw set.

"They'll find him. They always do." I said, rubbing his arm in reassurance. "He hurt you?"

"It's nothing." Derek claimed, shoving my hand away and shielded his face slightly.

I ignored his protest as I moved his luscious hair away from his face and inspected the bottom of his eye, which had a large cut under it, already swelling.

I pursed my lips, as I softly touched his face as he closed his eyes.

"I'm fine." Derek said, jerking away from my touch.

"No, you're not. He swung at you with the switchblade, didn't he?" Derek didn't respond. "Oh god, Derek, I'm so sorry. I sh-shouldn't have done any of this."

"It's just a cut," Derek said gruffly. "We should focus on you, not me."

Derek swiftly got up and returned mere seconds later with an emergency kit and bandages.

"I'm just a mess." I muttered, tears prickling my eyes. "I've been screwing everything up since the day I met you. I-I'm so sorry."

Derek clearly looked uncomfortable as he looked around, obviously not knowing how to deal with a crying girl. He scooted closer to me, putting one hand gently on my cheek and the other lying awkwardly on my arm.

"You're fine. You don't need to cry." Derek said, looking at me sincerely. I wiped my tears away, embarrassed by my useless cries. Derek continued, "I know I'm not the easiest, and you tried your best. I'm s-sorry."

I glanced into his green eyes that I had so admired from afar, were now up close, inches away from my own. The typical guarded exterior had fallen, as he looked at me softly.

I felt an urge to lean forward, to close the small distance between us, to melt at his gentle touch, but quickly shook that idea off. He was my boss, he wasn't even my friend. How could I possibly imagine him in a scenario like this?

Derek seemed to snap out of it quicker than I could as he focused on the wound on the back of my head. He spend most of the night tending to me, then finally, I was able to treat his own eye.

By the time the two of us were finished, I was exhausted and fell asleep on his couch. Derek didn't protest, as he lazily watched TV, one arm dangling against the back of the couch.

Waking out of my dreamless sleep I found myself curled up around a large, fluffy blanket, the color of the night sky. I sat up immediately and looked around, remembering how I spent the night at Derek's. My cheeks turned a furious shade of red as I fingered the back of my head where I was injured.

There was no sign of Derek anywhere to be seen, so I stood up and went looking for him, wishing him goodbye. The problem was, I had no idea where he was in this huge apartment. Clumsily I walked around, peering inside each door, hoping to find him.

Soon I trudged along to a door, and peered inside. Derek was in there, only he was shirtless and sleeping. I froze, taking the sight in, before immediately running in the opposite direction and out the door.

Ah! So late just happened. Longer chapter! Hope you guys liked it. I've been pumping out chapters lately! Whoop! Tell me what you guys think about this story. I hope it becomes more popular! Spread the word!

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