Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
The next time I woke, I opened my eyes. The room around me was strange and unfamiliar. My eyes ached and felt like sandpaper. My body wasn’t my own. It was achy and sore. I blinked and moved my head a little, turning it toward the odd sound, seeing medical equipment. I traced one machine down to an IV in my arm.
I realized I was in the hospital. I glanced to the other side, wondering about the weight I felt. A dark head of hair was pressed into my side, a heavy arm stretched across my torso, holding me. Keeping me safe.
Sully.
He was asleep, his face turned toward me. Even asleep, I could see the exhaustion etched in his skin. He was frowning, the lines around his mouth deep. He was drained, unkempt, but the most welcome sight I had ever seen.
For a moment, I was confused, and then it all hit me.
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?”
“Yes,” I said, surprising them all.
Sully stepped closer. “What do you want, love? I’ll get you anything.”
I looked past him to Niall. “Take him for a meal. Something real. Get him showered and cleaned up, and I want him to have a solid eight hours before he comes back.”
Sully shook his head. “I’m not leaving you.”
I met his gaze. “You are.”
“No.”
Anna held up her hands. “How about a compromise? I’ll order food from the hotel, and Niall will go get you some fresh clothing and bring it back. You shower while he’s gone. And I agree with Autumn. You need sleep. You’ve not left this room since she came in, and you have barely shut your eyes.”
Sully opened his mouth to protest, and I spoke. “Please, Sully. I need to know you’re okay.”
He huffed. “Fine. But I’m not leaving you to sleep. I’ll be fine right here.”
I nodded, okay with the compromise. I didn’t really want him to go.
Anna beamed. “Good.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
AUTUMN
Afew hours later, Finn stood and held out his hand to Una. “The patient and her protector are looking very tired. We should go and let them both sleep.”
She stood and bent to kiss me. “I’m glad you’re awake. I’ll be back tomorrow, and I’ll bring lunch.”
“Thank you.”
They had brought food, fresh clothing, and their comforting presence. The girls fussed over me, helping me get clean and change into soft lounge-type clothing instead of a hospital gown.
They stayed with me while Sully showered and changed. Anna sat behind me, brushing out my hair, while Una chatted. The men sat on the other side of the room, talking while Sully ate. The conversation looked intense, and I had a feeling they were filling him in on what had happened after he left with me.