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Until then, I’ll watch over her all night, making sure she’s safe. Nothing will ever hurt her again—not while I’m breathing.

10.Laney

I wake slowly,my body heavy, my mind foggy. The soft sheets beneath me feel unfamiliar, smoother, and more luxurious than anything I own. A dull ache pulses in my head and, as I blink against the warm glow of the room, confusion sets in.

Where am I?

I shift slightly, my muscles protesting, and that’s when I see it—a glass of water on the bedside table with a small note beside it. My fingers tremble as I reach for the paper, my heartbeat thudding in my ears.

You’re safe. You’re in my home. Don’t panic. I’m downstairs making a sandwich. -E.

Eddie.

It takes a moment for the name to register, for my sluggish mind to piece things together. And then, like a slow-building storm, the memories hit. The attack. The drug. Eddie carrying me. His voice, deep and steady, telling me he had me.

A shiver runs through me, but I push it down and focus on the present. I grab the water, my throat suddenly parched, and take small sips. The cool liquid soothes the rawness there, and I let out a slow breath.

I need to get up.

I carefully shift to the edge of the bed, swinging my legs over the side. But the moment I attempt to stand, my balance wavers. Strong hands catch me before I can tip over.

“Take it slow,” Eddie murmurs, his voice gentle yet firm.

I look up at him, his dark eyes filled with concern. He’s wearing a plain black T-shirt and sweatpants, his hair slightly messy like he’s been running his hands through it. He looks... softer than usual, more relaxed, but the intensity in his gaze remains.

“I just need to go to the bathroom,” I say, my voice hoarse.

He nods but doesn’t let me go immediately. “You sure you’re okay?”

I manage a small smile. “I won’t know until I try.”

He exhales through his nose but doesn’t argue. Instead, he helps me to my feet, his grip steady but careful. As I lean against him for support, I take in the room around me. It’s beautiful—spacious, decorated in warm neutrals and rich textures. The bed I just left is massive, covered in plush pillows and soft blankets. The lighting is low, casting a golden glow over everything.

“Your house is… wow,” I murmur, my fingers grazing the edge of the nightstand as we move.

Eddie huffs a quiet laugh. “Glad you approve.”

He guides me to a door and opens it, revealing an en-suite bathroom that looks like it belongs in a five-star hotel. Marble countertops, a glass rainfall shower, fluffy towels neatly folded on a rack.

“I’ll be right outside,” he says, stepping back but watching me closely. “Take your time.”

I nod and slip inside, closing the door behind me. Leaning against the cool marble sink, I take a moment to steady myself before glancing at my reflection.

God.

My hair is a mess, my face pale, dark circles shadow my eyes. I look wrecked. I quickly use the facilities, conscious that Eddie is waiting outside. I swallow against the lump in my throat and turn on the faucet, splashing cold water over my face. It helps a little. I wash my hands slowly, gathering myself, before finally straightening and heading back out.

Eddie is leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed, biceps bunched, and it makes my abdomen flutter with attraction. The moment he sees me, he moves to help. He doesn’t say anything as he leads me back to the bed, but his touch is steady and reassuring, sending pleasure through my exhausted body.

“Here.” He hands me two small tablets. “It’s for the nausea. Should help.”

I hesitate before taking them, offering a small smile. “Thanks.”

He watches as I swallow them down with more water, his expression unreadable. “How do you feel?”

“Tired,” I admit. “Sore. Confused.”

His jaw tightens slightly, but he nods. “Yeah. You’ve been out for two days.”