Chapter 5

She came to in agony. The smell of antiseptic. She was back in a hospital room.

Her head was wrapped in bandages. The skin around her eyes ached. She tried to shift and the movement shot through her skull.

"Sera — you're awake —"

She opened her eyes to a wrecked Damien, with bruised circles under his eyes and his whites gone red.

He exhaled when she met his gaze.

"Thank God. Thank God you're all right."

"I found them. They were harassment from another case, they mistook you for Vivienne. They're in custody. You're safe."

"Does your head still hurt? Move around. Tell me if anything else is off."

His phone rang. It was Vivienne's personal tone.

For once, he didn't pick up.

He stared down at her injuries with raw, devoted eyes. He held her hand like if he let go she'd stop breathing.

She tried to pull away. He wouldn't let her.

"Damien. What if I told you that wasn't some random family of a patient? What if I told you I heard that man with my own ears, telling me Ms. Ashcroft had given the order? Would you believe me?"

His jaw tightened. He let go of her hand.

"Sera. That's too far."

"Vivienne is a victim too. If it hadn't been you tonight, it would have been her in this bed. You're reaching."

Her lashes trembled. The corner of her mouth lifted in something that wasn't a smile.

Maybe she'd never actually expected better from him. Hearing it leave his mouth barely surprised her.

She closed her eyes. She didn't have the strength to argue anymore.

"Sera, I know you're angry at Vivienne. I promise — once everything's settled, I'll keep my distance from her."

He stroked her hair.

Maybe out of guilt, he stayed at her bedside all night, coaxing her like he used to.

But when she looked at him, nothing stirred.

Because she knew he couldn't keep that promise.