“Don’t you dare blame yourself for that! It was my fault, I took that risk. You put those guards outside the house to keep me safe. But it was me who didn’t listen to them. So, whose fault is it? Mine. Stop torturing you for something you didn’t do, again.”

He shook his head, his eyes held pain. “I should’ve known you were there. I should’ve listened to your voice messages and picked up your calls. But my phone was fucking dead! I forgot to charge it last night. It’s my fucking fault!” He slammed his fist against the headboard of the bed.

I gasped. “Ace! Stop! I said it wasn’t your fault. And nothing happened to me, right? I’m fine. It was my stupidity that I followed Arthur without taking anyone with me.”

“But anything could have happened! I could have…” His jaw ticked. “I could’ve lost you. If Duncan hadn’t reached there in time…”

I cupped his face, kissing his forehead. “But he did. I’m all right now. You couldn’t have known I wouldn’t listen to the guards and leave. Stop blaming yourself,” I murmured. “Anyway, what happened then? What happened after you heard the recording?”

Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath, calming himself down.

“I got out of the car and went back to the hotel as soon as possible. But Mr. Balakin wanted to continue it. He was eager to see the shell-shocked face when his partner would get arrested after he realized how badly their conspiracy failed,” he replied. His shoulders were still tense.

“But I saw the car getting hit by the truck. Was he in the car when…”

He shook his head. “No. He and the driver also got out of the car, turning the autopilot mode on a few minutes before they reached the spot Arthur’s men were waiting for us.”

Taking his shaking fists in my hands, I uncurled them and kissed both of his palms.

“How did I get home?”

“When I reached the hotel, you already left with Carter’s car. And after following your phone’s location, we found some people moving you out of the car because you lost consciousness, stopping in the middle of the road. Then I got you home.” He caressed my cheek. “Are you okay, Rosebud?” Concern and regret echoed in his voice. I knew how the thought that he couldn’t be there to protect me was torturing him. And knowing him, he’d continue to blame himself, no matter what I said.

I nodded. “I am.”

His hard eyes fell on my cheek. “You’re hurt.” His jaw ticked. “Who did this to you?”

“One of the guards. He’s dead now. I’m fine, don’t worry.” I assured him.