Page 24

My eyes widen. “Two days?”

He sits down on the edge of the bed, close but not touching. “Yeah. You had a bad reaction to whatever that asshole gave you. The doctor came, said your system just needed time to flush it out.”

I exhale slowly. “And… you brought me here?”

Eddie nods. “I wanted you somewhere safe. Somewhere quiet.”

I process that, biting my lip. “What… what happened after?”

His expression darkens. “I found you before he got you out of the stadium. You were out of it.” He drags a hand through his hair. “Security got the guy. He won’t be bothering you again.”

Something about the way he says it sends a shiver down my spine. “Eddie… what did you do?”

His gaze locks onto mine. “Handled it.”

I swallow, not sure I want more details. “Is he…?”

“Gone.” Eddie’s voice is firm, final. “That’s all you need to know.”

Intense danger pours from him, but not for a single second does it make me fearful of him. It only adds to the attraction I already feel.

I let out a shaky breath, my fingers tightening around the blanket. “I don’t know what to say.”

“You don’t have to say anything.”

I look up at him, his face softer now, the sharp edges of his usual confidence dulled by something deeper. “Thank you,” I whisper.

His jaw ticks, and then, to my surprise, he cups my cheek, his thumb brushing lightly over my skin. “You never have to thank me for looking after you.”

I blink rapidly, emotions swirling inside me. No one has ever protected me like this. Not like him.

He clears his throat, pulling back slightly. “Drink some more water. It’ll help.”

I nod, taking another sip. Eddie watches me closely, then adds, “And when you’re up for it, you should eat something. Even just a little.”

I hesitate. “I don’t know if I can.”

He smiles slightly. “I make a mean sandwich.”

Despite everything, I laugh softly. “Oh yeah?”

“Yeah. Legendary, even.”

I shake my head, still feeling the weight of everything but grateful for the brief lightness. “I guess I could try a few bites.”

Eddie grins. “Good. I’ll be right back.”

As he stands, I watch him go, warmth curling in my chest. I don’t know what this means, or where we go from here, but for the first time in a long time, I feel safe. Before I have time to dwell on anything too deeply, Eddie is back with the promised sandwich. He sits gently on the bed and places it on my lap. “Try and eat a little, I’m gonna go grab something from downstairs, but I’ll be back to check in a few.”

I watch him leave the room and swallow past the lump in my throat, overwhelmed by his kindness. To distract myself, I reach for the sandwich sitting on a tray beside me. At first, I nibble tentatively, but the moment food touches my stomach, I realize how hungry I am. I eat slowly, piece by piece, the nourishment bringing back some strength. As I eat, I try to pull together the broken memories, but they remain scattered flashes—hazy and incomplete.

The door opens again, and Eddie steps back in, holding a black duffel in his hand. He grins when he sees the empty plate. “Good. You needed that.”

I wipe my mouth, sitting up a little straighter. “I think it helped. I still feel weak, though.”

“That’s normal. It’ll take a bit, but you’ll get there.” He gestures to the bag. “Christie packed you an overnight bag. Thought you might want fresh clothes.”

Emotion wells in my chest at the small but meaningful gesture. “That was really thoughtful. Thank you.”