“Yes. Of course.” Alexander tapped his phone screen a few times, nodded, and then returned his gaze to Terrance. “You’ll check on her tomorrowafternoon?”
“I’ll be there at two.” Terrance took Elizabeth’s hand. “It was a pleasure to meet you, my dear. When I see you next, I expect you’ll remember it better. Alex will take good care ofyou.”
Elizabeth grimaced as a nurse raised the bed, then patted Elizabeth’s hand. “Let’s get you dressed, shallwe?”
“Someone took my clothes,” Elizabethsaid.
Alexander leaned over her and kissed her tenderly. “That would be the police,chérie. There was blood on your shoes and the hem of the dress that did not appear to be yours. You did some damage to the bastard. They’re testing it. If they can get a DNA match, it will help them catch thearsehole.”
“When did they come?” she asked. Her eyes weren’t focusing properly, and Alexander’s face swam in front of her. A single tear rolled down hercheek.
“Shhh, Elizabeth. It’s all been sorted. Do not fret.” Alexander handed the nurse a green bundle of fabric. “I’d love to help with these, but I need to make sure our security is ready togo.”
Elizabeth protested, “These aren’tmine.”
“They are now,” Alexander said with a smile, then strode from theroom.
The bundle—a pair of satiny pajamas and a warm robe—helped her feel somewhat human, though every movement made her dizzier. The nurse belted the robe snugly around Elizabeth’s waist. “There we go. You’re a lucky woman, you know. That man looks at you like you’re the most important person in theworld.”
“He’s going to take me home. I want to sleep in that big bed. Everynight.”
“Of course you do.” The nurse patted her forearm and winked at her. “You’ll sleep tonight. Now into the wheelchair withyou.”
“Don’t you need my insurance card or something? I don’t even know where my wallet is,” Elizabethsaid.
The kind nurse chuckled. “Of course not. Mr. Fairhaven took care of everything. You were probably too out of it when you came in, but you’re in the Fairhaven wing of MassGeneral.”
Alexander tucked Elizabeth into bed as Samuel, his majordomo, hovered behind him. She’d fallen asleep as soon as they’d reached the limo, and hadn’t stirred when he’d carried her up thestairs.
“Nicholas brought her laptop?” Alexanderasked.
“Yes, sir. And the cat is currently hiding under the bed. Mr. Hetherington left a packet of paperwork for you. I secured that with the laptop in your office safe. Milos and Carl are the day-shift guards. Viktor and Sergei are on duty now—one in front and one at the rear of the house. Kaleb and Brandon will trade off with anyone who desires a break.” Samuel glanced at Elizabeth, and his brows drew together. “Will she be allright?”
Alexander turned and rested his hand on Samuel’s shoulder. Exhaustion swamped him, and though he’d never admit this to anyone, he’d come close to breaking down during Elizabeth’s CT scan. “Yes, she will. Though only by pure luck. I have to find a way to keep her here—living here. It’s the only way I can protecther.”
As the two men stared at one another, Samuel nodded. “I’ll inform Donatella that there’s a new member of the household.” River chose that moment to meow loudly, then butt her head against Alexander’s ankle. “Two newmembers.”
Samuel knew Alexander better than most, and understanding passed between them. After the bedroom door closed with a quietsnick, Alexander stripped, set an alarm, and reclined at the far edge of the mattress. In Elizabeth’s current state, if he accidentally rolled over or tried to pull her close while he slept, he’d hurther.
Two hours passed in the blink of an eye, and the blaring alarm drew a groan. “Elizabeth? You must wake up for me now.” He stroked her arm, and shewhimpered.
“No…sleep.”
“In a moment. Where do the Red Sox play?” Terrance had advised him to ask her at least one question every time he woke her, but for the life of him, he couldn’t think of anything more complicated thanthat.
“Fenway.” Elizabeth blinked slowly, struggling to focus on the dimly lit bedroom. River mewled next to her. “Did I fall asleep in thecar?”
Alexander chuckled. “Yes. You didn’t even make it twominutes.”
“Thank you for bringing River,” she said weakly as her eyes fluttered closed. A barely audible sigh escaped her lips when Alexander leaned over and kissed the tip of hernose.
At ten, Elizabeth cursed him. At noon, she rolled onto her side away from him. But she answered his questions without fail. As her wit sharpened and her replies bit harder, Alexander felt comfortable leaving her to sleep alone. He showered, dressed, and snuck out of theroom.
Samuel found him on his way out of the kitchen. “Sir, Miss Elizabeth’s phone has been ringingconstantly.”
Alexander rubbed his gritty eyes. “Where isit?”
“In your study. I plugged it in to charge. I haven’t answered it, but she’s received three calls from a ‘Kelsey’ and five from someone namedToni.”
