Total pages in book: 96
Estimated words: 91373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91373 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
He appeared uncomfortable. “Of course.”
“But you were wrong. When you came to see Theo before Christmas. You were wrong. I’m not some innocent waif he was using. I’m a grown woman with a successful career … and he loves me. I think he loves me more than he’s ever loved anyone. At least that’s how he makes me feel.” A tear slipped down my cheek. “It was the last thing he said after he saved my life last night.”
Remorse tightened Sebastian’s features. “I know I was wrong, Sarah. It isn’t easy for me to apologize. I’m afraid it’s rather a flaw in the Cavendish genes. However, I shall apologize to my brother as soon as he’s awake.”
“He wants nothing to do with your father.”
“I heard.”
“You won’t badger him to change his mind.” I lifted my chin stubbornly. “I won’t allow it.”
A slight smile curled the corner of his mouth. “I’ve made peace with the fact that the relationship between my father and Theo is beyond repair. But it gave me hope to hear that he’d forgiven Father. Perhaps he … perhaps he can forgive me for not being a better brother.”
“I know he can.”
His jaw tightened as if fighting off emotion. Then with an abrupt nod, he slipped from the room.
I didn’t know how much time passed as I sat there, waiting for Theo to wake up. His nurse, a warm, middle-aged man named Fred, came in to check on us.
My eyelids grew heavy, and I rested my head on the bed. It was uncomfortable and I knew my neck would pay for it in the morning, but I’d just add it to the aches and pains I was beginning to feel after the fight in the alley. My cheek was scratched and bruised from being smashed against the wall. Muscles burned and felt heavy from overuse. But I was alive, and so was Theo.
And I just had to wait for him to wake up so I could tell him I loved him.
I was running but going nowhere. Screaming but no sound came out. I didn’t know what I was running from or screaming about, but I knew it was evil. I knew I was terrified.
Running and silently screaming through a pitch-black hallway that seemed to stretch on for—
“Sarah,” a voice called through the darkness.
Then I felt a hand on my shoulder, gently shaking me.
“Sarah.”
My eyes flew open and I blinked against the brightness of the room.
I groaned as pain burned up my neck. Lifting my head, I startled at the sight of Aria, North, and Jared. Everything rushed back and I cried out, my head whipping toward Theo as fire flared up my neck with whiplash. I winced, disappointment settling over me at finding Theo’s eyes still closed.
I looked back at my cousin and North and Aria.
Jared pushed past them to pull me gently from the chair. He hugged me gingerly. “Oh God, Sarah, I’m so glad you’re all right. Fuck.”
I squeezed him hard, inhaling the familiar scent of grass and earth and spice. “I’m okay,” I promised. “Theo got to me in time.”
Jared pulled back to cup my face in his hands. “I suppose this means I have to like the bastard now?”
I laughed, but it quickly turned into a sob. Jared cursed under his breath and embraced me as I cried quietly against his shoulder. Aria and North were anxious to take their turns hugging me.
“How’s he doing?” North asked, concern creasing his brow as he studied Theo.
“The knife hit an artery. They repaired it. The surgeon said they’d have to run some tests when he wakes up to make sure there’s no nerve damage.”
North scrubbed a hand over his face. “Fuck.”
I watched as Aria wrapped a comforting arm around him. “He’ll be fine. Cavendish is made of stern stuff.”
“I’m never going to let him live this down,” North joked, a sheen of emotion in his eyes. “I always knew the prick was a hero underneath all his stiff upper lip shite.”
I chuckled as I leaned into Jared. “Hopefully, he’ll wake up soon so he can contest that himself. We know he will. All evidence to the contrary.”
“Are you sure you’re not hurt?” Aria asked.
Shaking my head, I winced as pain scored up my neck again. “Just a few aches and bruises.”
Her gaze flicked down my body and she blanched. Looking down, I saw the dark stains across my blue shirt. On close inspection, it was obviously blood. “Theo’s,” I explained hoarsely. “He lost a lot … he needed a transfusion.”
“Would you like me to get you a change of clothing and bring them back?” Aria offered.
“You don’t have to …”
“Please. Give me something to do. You know I need to have something to do.”
“Um …” I glanced around, looking for the purse Liz had brought out to me as they were loading Theo into the ambulance. I snatched it up and pulled out the keys to Theo’s apartment. “Theo’s flat is in Mayfair.” I held out the keys to Aria. “I have clothes in the wardrobe. I’ll text you the address.”