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the storefront once again. I’m hurting so much by this point that the numbing effect of the cold concrete is like a balm for my aches and pains. “Max,” I whisper just as my body slips away.
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    I ’m freaking the fuck out as I frantically yell Rose’s name into my phone. Shit, she said something about her apartment before the phone went dead. I’d pulled on jeans while I was talking to her; now, I quickly push my bare feet into a pair of athletic shoes and throw on a T-shirt. I’m out the door and breaking every speed limit known to man as I push my Mercedes hard toward downtown Asheville. Something’s horribly wrong. My playful, self-assured Rose was completely absent in that call. I recognized her voice almost immediately because, God knows, it’s played in my dreams night after night. But there was nothing but fear present tonight. She was crying, and what the fuck was that about her father taking her car and apartment?
    It’s a long fifteen minutes before I park in front of her building and jump out. I run to the nearest intersection and have no idea which way to go. I take a left and jog the length of the street, seeing nothing. Reversing directions, I pass my starting point and keep going. At first, I almost miss the form slumped against the glass door of a store. I back up a few steps and see her red hair in the dim surrounding light. “Rose!”
    I drop to my haunches, automatically checking her pulse. Thankfully, it’s strong and steady. I then inspect her for any sign of injury. Her arms are wrapped tightly around her knees, and fuck me, there’s blood there. Her dark slacks look shredded as if she’s taken a fall recently. Her hair is wet and stuck to the side of her neck. Her head is down so she’s yet to spot me. I don’t want to startle her, so I gently lay a hand on her shoulder, saying her name softly. “Rose … baby, it’s Max.”
    I begin to worry when there’s no response. I open my mouth to say her name again, when she jerks awake, literally throwing herself at me in what I can only assume is an attempt to flee. “Ahhh,” she screams, trying to push me away. “Let me go!” I move back a few inches, giving her space until she recognizes me.
    “Honey, it’s me—Max. Calm down, I’ve got you, Rose. Shhh, look at me.” She stills and instead of drawing away, she now clutches my arms, pulling me near.
    “Max? You came? You found me,” she chokes out on a sob. Heedless of my clothing, I drop down onto the wet surface in front of her and pull her small form into my arms. I rock her against me as shudders wrack her body. What the fuck has happened to her?
    “Shhh, baby, I’m here,” I coo, trying to calm her. She feels like a block of ice, and I know I need to get her into my car and turn the heat up full blast. “Honey, I’m going to stand now. Just wrap your arms around my neck and hold on, okay?” She nods against my throat before doing as I’ve instructed. Her grip is surprisingly strong, coming damn close to a stranglehold. It’s not easy, but I manage to rise to my feet while holding her steady. I check to make sure we’re leaving nothing behind before walking slowly to where I left my car.
    “Thank you for coming,” she murmurs in my ear as she burrows closer. “I didn’t have anyone else to call.” Her last statement sends a wave of guilt through me. She’s been sitting on a deserted street in the middle of the night, freezing to death, and she’s apologizing for bothering me. Have I been such an asshole to this woman that she thinks for one moment I wouldn’t be here for her anytime she needs me?
    “Rose,” I say, before pulling away enough to drop a kiss on her head, “let’s get you home.”
    I balance her weight carefully before opening the passenger door and lowering her onto the leather seat. I wish I’d thought to bring a blanket with me, but luckily, the car is still warm. I gently buckle the belt around her and as I pull back, I notice the