Chapter 7

I turned back to see Elias standing in front of me, frowning. Fuck.

“Did that guy hurt you?” he asked.

How much had he seen? “I’m okay. It’s handled. What can I do for you, Elias?”

He stared at me for a bit, and I used my best poker face to keep my frustration at bay. “You don’t let anybody in, do you?”

“That has nothing to do with my job or you, as a customer. Are you buying something or what?”

Elias narrowed his eyes, but all he said was, “Money order for five hundred dollars, please.”

I was glad he finally got the hint. I took care of his request, but he didn’t leave when I handed him his purchase. In fact, he took my hand gently in his and looked at my wrist, which was definitely colorful now.

“He got you good, didn’t he?” His voice was whisper-soft as he used a finger to trace the bruised area. “You should put ice on that as soon as possible. Take some painkillers, too.”

Shaken by his gentleness and concern, I pulled away my arm. “Thanks, I’ll do that.”