Freya paced the length of his living room, gesticulating with her hands and cursing the guys who took me.
Liam leaned his forehead to mine, and I closed my eyes, allowing myself to feel the comfort his touch brought. “You’re doing so well,” he murmured.
I took a shuddering inhale, overwhelmed. He was acting like I’d never found the marriage contract. Like we were stilltogether. But any chance of a future together had ended in his office.
Oh God, does he want to keep me as his mistress? Or a casual hookup? Or is his guilt driving him to be here right now?
Liam pulled back, and I opened my eyes, looking into his that were now almost black, their usual glow dimmed. He glanced to the side and then back at me. “He’s almost done. Only a few more stitches to go.”
The doctor eventually finished up and bandaged my arm. “Leave the bandage on for three days, then get it changed. I can come back, or you can visit your local doctor.”
I nodded, clearing my throat to speak past the lump that had formed there. “Thank you.”
I wouldn’t be going back to him, since I’d be in San Francisco. But there was no need to inform anyone of my plans.
He packed up, giving me instructions to keep my arm still and not lift anything heavy. I declined his offer of a sling.
Liam placed a kiss on my forehead. “I’ll be right back.”
He walked the doctor out, their voices fading until the front door closed.
Freya dropped down beside me. “You hungry?”
“Not at the moment. But I’d love a cup of tea.” My voice sounded foreign, my swollen tongue making it hard to get the words out.
“I’ll get you painkillers as well. Do you want peppermint? Chamomile? Or if you want something else, I’ll go out and get it. Liam doesn’t have many options.”
I held up one finger, and she nodded. “Peppermint it is. Be right back.”
Freya raced to the kitchen. As soon as she walked out, Liam took her place, pulling me into his side, ignoring my stiff body. “How are you feeling?”
Shrugging, I didn’t answer, having used up all my words for the moment. And if I talked to him, I’d ask him why he lied to me. This was the wrong time and place to bring it up.
We sat in silence, Liam tracing circles on my shoulder, placing the occasional kiss on my hair.
When Freya came back with the tea, I gratefully took the cup, using it as a chance to sit up and put distance between myself and Liam. I was at my limit.
“I put honey in it as well to help with your throat. The doctor said you have to drink lots of water over the next twenty-four hours.” She held up a full water bottle, then set it down on the coffee table. “For later.” She looked lost for words, standing in front of me with a tentative smile. “You want to watch TV?”
I lowered my cup, shaking my head. “I just want to sleep.”
“You want company?” Liam murmured in my hair.
Stiffening at his words and nearness, I leaned away from him. “If Freya doesn’t mind….”
She nodded, her hair flipping up and down at the erratic movement. “Of course I’ll stay with you.” Holding out her hand to help me up, she grabbed the water bottle again. “Better take this.”
Not looking back at Liam, I followed Freya to the guest room. She helped me into bed, then pulled the covers over me before getting in on the other side. “Let me know if you need anything.”
I murmured in agreement, and despite the fear of what I’d find once I closed my eyes, I was asleep a few seconds later.
I woke up with a gasp,my T-shirt soaked through and my breathing coming out in short bursts. My body trembled fromthe nightmare. I’d been back in the cellar, and the guy with the mask had been cutting me.
He took his mask off to reveal Liam.
I had to get out of here. There was no way I could spend more time this close to Liam.
Swinging my legs over the side, I padded to the bathroom and splashed water on my face. I’d made sure to close the door so I wouldn’t wake Freya.
