She glanced in the mirror over the dresser and reached up to touch the gauze covering the laceration on her face. The stitches had been removed before she left the hospital, but she hated how red and raised the scar was so she kept it covered with gauze.

He took her hand and tugged until she was beneath his shoulder. “Seriously? You look beautiful.”

She could hear the impatience in his voice. Mister Nice Guy clearly had a time limit on his nice. She hid a smile as she walked down the wide hall with him. Jake and his wife, Emma, were in the great room. The room was enormous and very comfortable with overstuffed chairs and warm tones, but the moment Elijah stepped into the room, he commanded it. There was no denying his presence.

He took her straight across the hardwood floor to Emma. She was at least seven, maybe eight months pregnant. Jake sat on the arm of her chair, holding her hand.

“This is Siena Arnotto, Emma,” Elijah said. “Siena, Emma, Jake’s wife.”

Siena sent the woman a tentative smile. She’d never really had a female friend, not one who was real. A few girls had wanted to know her because of her name. Others had thought her bodyguards were hot. None of them got to know her as a person, and she knew she’d developed a shell, keeping others out to prevent herself from getting hurt.

“Finally,” Emma said, her answering smile soft and beautiful. “I couldn’t wait to meet the woman who has stolen Elijah’s heart. Big, bad Elijah turned inside out by a woman. You have no idea how wonderful it is to meet you.”

Jake grinned, looking at ease and relaxed, not at all like the man in his office. “She’s brought him to his knees, Emma.”

Siena blinked rapidly and glanced at Elijah, uncertain how to react. She didn’t have his heart, and he certainly wasn’t on his knees. That was one thing she knew for certain. He had told Detective Madison they were planning to be married. Was that the story Drake had come up with to keep her safe?

She realized Elijah still had possession of her hand and she tugged, trying to get free. Instead, he brought her knuckles to his mouth.

“Since I can’t deny the truth of what you’re saying, I’ll just kiss my woman and be happy she’s in my home,” Elijah said.

“I was sorry to hear about your grandfather, Siena,” Emma said. “I know he raised you. Are you doing okay?”