Page 97 of Sullivan

Alan at the door.

Waking in the cottage.

Him forcing me into a cold cellar.

And the door bursting open, Sully charging through it, looking like the angel of death.

After that, things were blurry again.

I must have made a noise because Sully sat up, already on alert. He saw my eyes were open, and he stood, cupping my face. “Autumn,” he breathed. “Oh, Autumn. You’re awake, love. Thank God, you’re awake.”

I tried to speak, but my throat ached. Suddenly, Anna appeared on the other side of the bed. “Here,” she murmured, spooning an ice chip into my mouth. The cold and wet felt so good on my throat, and I accepted another one.

“Better?” she asked.

“Yes,” I whispered, my voice sounding rough.

“I’ll go get the doctor.” She slipped out the door, leaving me with Sully.

He took my hand, pressing it to his face. “I’ve been so worried, love.”

“How long have I been here?”

“Four days.”

“Why?”

He frowned. “Are you sure you want to talk about this right now?”

“Yes.”

His voice was gentle and soft. “What do you remember?”

“Most of it. He knocked me out, and I woke up there. I was so scared.” I swallowed the thick feeling in my throat. “And when I was the most terrified, you showed up. You rescued me.”

“Finn and Niall plus their crew, found your location and got me to you. I brought you here. You were suffering from hypothermia, a concussion, abrasions, and severe bruising.”

I noticed the marks on my wrists. “He tied me up.”

“He will never hurt you again.”

“Is he—” I swallowed, unable to ask.

“Yes. He won’t hurt anyone else ever again.”

I shut my eyes, already exhausted. “Good.”

The door opened, and the medical people came in. Sully refused to leave as they examined me and asked me questions. He sat on one side, his hand wrapped around mine, his thumb drawing soothing circles on my skin.

The doctor smiled at me. “I’m pleased to see you awake and responsive, Autumn.”

“When can I go home?”

He laughed. “Already so anxious. We’ll run a few tests, and if I’m happy with the results, in the next day or two. We’ll cap off the IV shortly, and we can remove the cannulas.”

He left and Anna came back in. Niall arrived a few moments later, looking happy to see me.

“You are a sight for sore eyes, Autumn. My cousin here has been beside himself.” Then he smiled gently. “We all have. I’m glad to see you awake. Is there anything you need?”