“Nila…you’re lying.”
I swiped at a renegade tear. “What about Kes?” I kept my voice to a murmur. “Has he improved yet?” I asked daily in my messages, but there was never any change.
Jethro sighed. “Goddammit, you infuriate me.” He paused. “No, he’s still unconscious.”
“I’m sorry.”
“You can make it up to me by telling me how you truly are.”
I glared across the room at the tropical fish tank with its finned creatures swimming unmolested in their perfect environment. They were free to be happy. I wasn’t. And I refused to make someone else unhappy when there was nothing they could do. “Don’t badger me, Jethro.”
Don’t be like them.
I hung my head. “I’m alive. That’s the truth. I’m not happy. That’s another truth. But what good is it to tell you what they’ve done when you can’t do anything to fix it?” My voice hardened. “Just accept that I’m okay and move on, alright?”
Silence.
My heart thundered against my ribs.
“Jethro?”
A hitch sounded in my ear. “I’m sorry. So fucking sorry.”
I melted. “I know. But it’s not your fault.”
“I’ll make them pay.”
“I know. We’ll do it together.”
“I wish I could hold you. Kiss you. My arms are empty without you.”
I felt that same emptiness—a terrible void ripping me into ribbons with its aching vastness. “I would give anything to be with you.”
Both of us fell quiet. What was there to say when we couldn’t talk about what we needed? What words could offer solace when only pain awaited?
“How long?” I finally whispered. “How much longer before I can kiss you again?”
“Too long.” Jethro sighed. “They said three weeks, but I’m almost ready. I’m not waiting that long. It’s already been too much. I refuse to leave you there another hour more than necessary.”
His passion soothed me even though I didn’t believe him.
He thought he’d be here in time.
I wished with every fibre of my being that he was right.
But there was something monstrous inside me…slurping me deeper, telling me that my time was running out. I didn’t know where the countdown beast had come from, but it was snarling louder and louder.
Jasmine was right. Cut had planned something big. Daniel knew it. Bonnie knew it. I knew it.
My life was quickly running out.
Hurry, Jethro.
Hurry…
Before it’s too late…
NINETEEN HOURS SINCE I’d spoken to Nila.
I’d waited until nightfall to message her again; I’d almost torn myself apart with impatience. The only thing that’d kept me inside the hospital and prevented me from hijacking a motorbike and hurtling toward Hawksridge was the lingering throb in my side.
I was better, but I wasn’t one hundred percent.
Not that I needed to be completely whole to destroy my father but I wouldn’t be stupid this time.
I wouldn’t ruin my surprise.
Finally, after my nightly check-up and disgusting hospital dinner, it was safe to message Nila without fear of her being caught.
Unknown Number: I need to speak to you again. I want to touch you—even if it means I can’t do it physically. Call me.
Hearing her delicious voice last night had turned me on, angered me, and set my nerves on edge. It felt as if I was the one with a guillotine blade over my head—punished by the desire to protect and love her.
My cock hadn’t softened all night but I’d refused to satisfy myself.
I wanted to wait for Nila.
We can offer each other a small measure of comfort.
I’d never had phone sex before, but if it granted a smidgen of contentment in our separation, I’d give it a shot.
My heart fisted.
Nila’s messages were so selfless. So concerned about Kes and me. She barely spoke of herself, no matter how many times I begged. Last night, when I’d talked to her, only confirmed my suspicions. She’d deflected a lot of her replies. And I fucking hated it.
She’s hiding things from me.