Chapter Twenty

Maya

A buzz sounded, and Alex stood and strode to the call box on the wall.

Maya strained to hear who he was speaking to, but she only heard his command to come up.

He returned to her and sat down, collecting her hands in his. “That was the nurse I hired to look after you. I have a meeting that I can’t miss in an hour’s time.”

Her eyes widened. “But Alex, I don’t need a nurse. I’m perfectly capable of remaining here while you attend to your business.”

His grip on her hands tightened. “Humor me,Maya. It makes me feel better knowing I’m leaving you in capable hands. I don’t like to think of you having need of anything in my absence.”

A smile curved her lips at his insistence. “How long will you be gone?” She hated the hopeful, almost mournful quality to her voice. She sounded pathetic.

He stood as the sound of the elevator opening filtered into the living room.

“Stay here. I’ll return with the nurse.”

Maya relaxed against the back of the couch and waited for Alex to return. His attentiv