Trading for Love

9. Safe

Charlotte POV

It took my mind a second to long to catch up with what Vincent had just said. By the time I had processed what he was going to do he had already pulled a box of medical supplies from the cabinet and was rifling through it. He quickly came up with a bottle of antiseptic spray, a vial , syringe , and sutures. He laid all these things out on the counter before turning back to me.

I stopped mid step, realizing to late that I had been backing toward the door as Vincent had worked. My brain may have failed me but my fear of being stitched up by an almost complete stranger was attempting to protect me. Vincent raised his eyebrow at me, shooting me a questioning look before grabbing me round my elbow and guiding me to a stool beside the granite island.

He turned back to his supplies drawing a small syringe of liquid from the vial. A shiver passed through me as I watched his hands. He looked so sure as he worked, his hands never shaking. I looked away from his hands, trying to focus on anything else but the next closest thing was his bare chest.

All I had wanted was a drink and I couldn't have had worse luck. He had appeared on the steps only moments after I had knocked that stupid vase over. I'd been attempting to clean it up when he had scared me. I hadn't registered his lack of clothing until he was standing before me preparing to stitch up my hand. He was shirtless, his rippling muscles clearly defined. A pair of gray plaid pajama pants were slung low on his hips. If they were hanging any lower there would definetly be a sight to be hold. His suit had hid more than just his toned body. His every muscle was well defined, the skin taught against his muscles showing every movement he made. His chest and shoulders were covered in the black ink of tattoos that flowed into one long design. It was hard to tell what each picture was when the next one seemed to over lap with it. There was a long scar that ran the length of his side. I couldn't help wondering what had caused such a scar but I quickly reminded myself that he was in a dangerous line of work. The thought helped me clear my mind enough to rip my eyes away from his rippling muscles and onto my lap.

" Quick pinch." That was all the warning I got before I felt the stab of the needle in my palm. I bit down on my lip to keep from jumping out of my skin. The burn that followed had me almost biting through my lip. I only had a moment to think about it before the slow tugging of skin drew my eyes up to my hand. Vincent had doned gloves at some point, his smooth motions making quick work of my cut hand.

Eight neat stitches were tied off and covered with a bandage Vincent gently pressed onto my hand. His ability to stitch me up rivaled any doctor I had ever encountered. As Vincent began cleaning up the supplies, I moved to stand, the broken vase in the entryway not forgotten. I didn't make it far though.

Vincents hand shot out, stopping me from taking a step past him. He had a look of calm but there was something brewing behind his eyes that I couldn't quite make out.

" Where are you going?"

" T-To clean up t-the vase," I stuttered out as heat radiated through my arm where Vincent touched me. It was a scorching heat that burned a path to my chest, making my heart beat faster.

" I just got your hand stitched up, I'm not going to have you cutting the other one before the first one has a chance to heal," a small scowl appeared on his lips as he spoke, making his contempt at the idea clear.

" B-But-"

" But nothing. I will clean up the vase, you will return to bed." His voice was clipped as he spoke, a heat now burning in his dark eyes.

I knew better than to argue with someone like Vincent but that didn't stop me from feeling guilty at the thought of him cleaning up my mess. Heat blazed in my cheeks as I chewed my lip, attempting to keep my mouth shut.

" But- "

" Bed Charlotte. Now." Vincents voice was low, just above a whisper, rumbling from his chest. I moved instantly. Jumping from the stool and racing back down the hall to the stairs. I quickly side stepped the broken glass before racing up the steps. When I reached the breezeway at the top I stopped short though. There was a hallway to the right and left, and I had no idea which way to go for my room.

I didn't have to wait long for my answer though.

" Your room is to the left Charlotte, second door from the end on the right side." I jumped, turning to find Vincent at the bottom of the stairs, a broom and dustpan in his hands. He looked calm but if I was learning anything from him it was that that could all change in an instant.

I nodded my thanks before dashing down the left hall, quickly ducking into the room he had said, shutting the door behind me. I stepped back from the door, debating on locking it. As much as I was intimidated by Vincent, I honestly couldn't say I was scared of him.

Vincent was intimidating, his very presence commanding everyone and everything around him. He stirred feelings in me that I was unsure of. One moment I was drooling over his every feature and the next he was sending my stomach into knots at the thought of him being upset with me. Not once though had he scared me. Truth be told, he was one of very few people in this world I felt safe with. He struck me as more of a protector than a danger at this point.

I turned from the door, heading for the bed, yawning as I walked. Vincent wasn't someone I needed to lock the door against.