He probably couldn’t bring himself to let her help, not after having just pushed her away.
He was panting heavily, each breath ragged. Emily Blair stood with her arms folded, looking on with the detached air of someone watching a scene unfold from a safe distance.
Up front, the driver twisted around, looking apologetic. “Miss, could you help him out? I’ve got another ride waiting, and I’m running late.”
Honestly, Emily had no intention of lending this man a hand. A few minutes ago, he’d recoiled from her touch, even shoving her arm against the door so hard her elbow was still throbbing. She hadn’t checked, but she was willing to bet it was already bruised.
Still, the driver had another passenger to pick up, and she didn’t have much choice.
Suppressing her annoyance, Emily walked over and gripped the man’s arms with both hands, bracing herself.
“Come on, your highness. Up you go.”
The moment she touched his arms, his breathing changed—growing heavier, more intense. His eyes locked onto hers with a wild, hungry look, like he might lunge at her any second and sink his teeth into her pale, slender neck.
For a split second, it felt like his skin was burning hot beneath her fingers. Emily gritted her teeth, barely resisting the urge to shake him off.
Her voice went cold. “Don’t start acting up here. Move it. You need a doctor.”
She hauled him up, almost yanking his upper body sideways in her effort.
The man squeezed his eyes shut, lips pressed tight together as he struggled to stay upright, finally bracing himself on her arms as she dragged him out of the car.
As soon as his feet hit the pavement, Emily nearly groaned aloud.
Good grief, he was heavy. He leaned his entire weight on her, like she was holding up a giant hot water bottle, his whole body burning with fever.
How much did this guy weigh? She clenched her jaw, straining not to let them both topple over.
“Stand on your own. I can’t hold you up forever!”

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