“You had no idea Judith was still alive?”
He shook his head. “No, but I should have. Judith Eddington wouldn’t have died a quiet death.”
“That’s good to know,” she said from behind Ian. He turned ready to fight her to be able to see Lila. He hesitated though because she looked as though she had aged five years in the last few minutes.
“Come,” she ordered, and turned to walk back down the hallway.
He did as she ordered, because she was heading in the direction of Lila.
“In here,” she said, walking into an office. It was empty except for boxes.
“I thought we were going to see Lila.”
“You seem attached to my granddaughter.”
“You could say that.”
Her eyes narrowed. “I did not think she would form an attachment with you, but I guess over the years she did.”
“And?”
“You know it takes more to build a relationship.”
“Just get to what you want to know so I can go see Lila. I’m assuming this soft interrogation is about that.”
“You should mind your manners, boy.”
“And you need to understand that not you or anyone else will stand in my way.”
“She’s not an easy woman to love.”
“If I wanted easy, I would have never fallen in love with your granddaughter.”
She pressed her lips together and he got the feeling she was trying not to smile. “Indeed?”
“She has a chip on her shoulder, I’m sure you put it there. Irritating as hell that she wants to take care of everyone but herself, but she is going to start doing that right now. Also, she is getting a dog. ASAP.”
“A dog?”
“Yes. She wants one, but since she’s been on the run, it’s kind of hard to keep one.”
He knew it was an insane thing to throw out there, but right now, he didn’t care. All he wanted to do was see Lila. He knew the doctors had assured him that she was okay, but he wanted to see it with his own eyes.
“Ian Charles Smith,” she shook her head. “Come.”
She turned and walked out of the room. He hurried to follow her.
“If anyone asks you, you are her fiancé.”
He nodded as he followed her into ICU. They arrived at a door. “She’s tired, so make sure she gets some rest.”
She turned to leave but stopped. “You are just the kind of man I would have picked for her. Thank you for keeping her safe. She might not believe it, but she is the most precious thing in the world to me.”
He watched for only a moment, then went into the room. He shut the door and leaned back against it. Her bed was up, but her eyes were closed as if she were dozing.
His heart settled as he watched her. She was pale, but breathing, and hopefully, they had gotten rid of everyone after her.
“Are you going to stand there and stare at me like a weirdo?” she asked, without opening her eyes. Her voice was hoarse.
