Surrender 01 - Surrender

the community, he can always be counted on to lend a helping hand.
    Ari rolled her eyes at the words. She was sure the picture had been nothing more than a publicity stunt. He most likely had dressed in a pair of jeans, had the paper come out and take his picture, then ran as fast as he could to his air-conditioned limo.
    “I’ve never been very fond of that picture. I always photograph so much better on my left side. My assistant insists that it’s her favorite image, though, and I’ve learned over the years that it’s a losing battle to argue with her.”
    Ari jumped at the sound of Rafe’s voice. By the teasing quality of his tone she knew he was once again trying to rile her — she refused to bite.
    “Hello, Mr. Palazzo. It seems to be an unfortunate occurrence that I continue running into you here. Hopefully this time I don’t end up needing an X-ray,” Ari said as she turned to see his eyes narrow.
    “Ari, Ari, Ari. Did you not listen the last time we spoke? I warned you that you’d be punished the next time you called me by my last name.”
    “As we’re in a public building, I don’t see that there’s anything you can do to me,” she smarted off, secure in the knowledge that not only were they surrounded by patients and visitors, but there were also armed staff members throughout the building.
    “I see that you think you’re safe, but never underestimate me, Ari. Once I decide on a course of action, nothing…and no one…can stop me,” he threatened as his hands came up on either side of her head and he boxed in her against the wall.
    “Normally, I’d love to prove to you how wrong you are, but today’s not the best day. I need to get back soon.”
    His eyes assessed her face, and though she tried to keep a neutral expression plastered on, she knew he could see right through her. She had dark circles, edged by red from the tears earlier shed, and she’d lost another five pounds. She looked terrible, and she knew it.
    “What’s wrong?”
    “None of your business.”
    “I thought you said you didn’t want to play games. If you don’t, then just answer my question,” he said firmly.
    “Fine. It’s not like you can’t figure it out. With most people, you barely open your mouth and they’re spilling everything to you. My mom’s in surgery. It’s just been a little stressful. She had complications from her last surgery and they had to go back in. She should have been out of here weeks ago, but her body is fighting her every step of the way. I know she’ll be fine but I can’t stop worrying.
    “I wasn’t sure if you’d tell me or not. Thank you for sharing this with me. I’m going to help you take your mind off the surgery while we wait for information from her doctor.”
    Rafe moved his hands from the wall and gripped her arm, sliding it through his. He started tugging on her, causing her nearly to trip as she tried to make a stand against him. Since she could either crash to the floor or go along with him, she finally started to move. What else could she do? She didn’t want to cause a scene and have people staring.
    “I don’t need your pity or your attention. I’ve been doing just fine all morning on my own.”
    “Obviously you aren’t doing fine. You’ve lost even more weight that you can’t afford to lose, your cheeks are sunken in, and you look like you haven’t had a decent night’s sleep in ages. You, more than anyone I know, should be working for me. You obviously need a keeper.”
    Ari was almost grateful for his words. For a brief moment, her worry over her mother was pushed aside as irritation with Rafe jumped to the forefront. What an overbearing, tyrannical…
    “I’m taking care of myself just fine. I absolutely do not need a keeper. And as a matter of fact, I had a large breakfast this morning.”
    “Liar. I bet you’ve barely pecked at your food over the past few days, and had absolutely nothing today. You’re worried about your mother and I can understand that. But you’re being selfish, Ari. How do you think it makes her feel to see her daughter taking such poor care of herself? Your mom will need to concentrate on getting herself better when she comes out of surgery, not spend her time fretting about you.”
    Ari took in a sharp breath at his words. He was so arrogant and rude! But it really infuriated her that he was also right. The thought of food turned her stomach. How could she eat when her mother could possibly be dying? It just