Chapter 15: On Leave

Samson opened his door still wearing his hospital badge.

He hadn't taken it off.

He had worn it for twelve years, and today it was the only part of the job they'd let him keep.

"They gave me a box," he said. "For my locker. A cardboard box, Hannah. I've never owned a box."

"Samson."

"Quinn's father shook my hand. He shook my hand and said it was nothing personal."

He turned and walked to the window, and I shut the door behind me.

The lake was gray and the city was coming on in lights.

He stood with both hands braced on the glass.

His shoulders were so tight that I could see every muscle through his shirt.

I put the ivory folder on the table and my coat on the hook.

I took the badge off over his head, gently, and set it on the sill.

"She said you'd be a shame," I said. "Not that you'd be fired. That it would be a shame."

"I know what she said. I listened to it in the elevator."

"Come here."

"I'm not good company right now."

"I didn't come for company."

He turned around.

His green eyes were hard and bright, and he looked at me.

I took hold of his shirt in both fists and pulled his mouth down to mine.

He kissed me back.

It was rough, and there was no careful in it, and I loved it.

He backed me against the window, and the cold glass bit through my dress.

He pressed against me, hot and hard along my front.

"Hannah," he said against my throat. "I'll hurt you."

"You won't. I'm not made of glass."

"I'm so angry."

"Then use it on me."

He made a sound I'd never heard from him.

His hands went under the blue knit and shoved it up.

I lifted my arms and let him pull it off.

He stopped for half a breath to look at me.