Page 33

“You’re awake.” A man’s voice makes me look back at the door.
Dustin walks up to me, and I can see that he feels the same way.
“How…” I don’t even know how to ask. My heart isn’t ready to tell them how close I came to dying yet.
Dustin sighs, “You worried us all. But it’s all over now.” When I came inside the room, I saw you lying on the bathroom floor, not moving. Fortunately, the fire hadn’t spread as much in that portion of the room as it had in the others. I was able to get you out just in time, before the ceiling fell.
I shudder after hearing him. It seems like a dream that I just got out of that type of nightmare.
Dustin squeezes Tera’s shoulder to soothe her and looks at her with love. Tera sighs, which means she was probably really worried about her father.
I say, “Thank you for saving me.”
I can’t help but cry because I’m so thankful. I owe Dustin my life.
Dustin smiles and says, “Anytime, Emily.”
I’m really happy that I have these two here at Eagle Wings. They’re so nice and friendly, which is different from the other members.
Liam informed me that they were like family since Dustin had worked at the house for a long time. He and Tera came before Liam’s parents died.
“Emily,” a different voice calls from the door, and my pulse skips a beat. Liam stands by the door.
He must have heard me.
“Are you awake? His face shows both shock and optimism.
But his eyes make me catch my breath. They are so sorrowful. I want to cry when I look at him like this.
Dustin and Tera stare at one other and agree. “Okay, we’re going to leave now,” he says.
I sit up straight. Before I can express the question that’s been on my mind, Dustin replies, “This is Doctor Max’s clinic.” You’re still in the Eagle Wings house. He’ll check on you in a few minutes. I don’t think you need to worry about your situation, but he’ll explain it to you better.”
I nod and watch as he and Tera leave and walk for the door.
Liam goes up to me and sits down next to the bed. I immediately grab for his hand, and he grips mine.
“How are you doing?” “he asks, worry written all over his face.
“I feel fine.” I clear my throat so he doesn’t worry.
I rub my neck with the back of my other hand. It still aches, and I suppose there are bruises from how hard I was choked. But I’m sure it will get better.
Liam doesn’t question me about the person who attacked me, so I think he already knew who it was.
“Is he—”
Liam lets go of my hand right away when he hears what I’m going to ask. Instead, he makes a fist till his knuckles become white and his jaw tightens.
“Dead,” he adds in a chilly voice. “Burned to death.”
I gasp and put my palm over my lips. “Oh, God.”
Liam’s voice is low, and the way he says it makes me tremble. “It’s still nothing compared to what he has done to you.” “He was lucky he was dead.
I would have tormented him to death if he hadn’t been.
“Liam,” I say, stopping him and taking his hand again.
His eyes relax, and the stress on his shoulders goes away.
“It’s done,” I say. “I don’t want to think about it any more.”
He sighs and squeezes my hand. I put my other hand on his cheek, and he turned his face towards me. He sighs again and kisses my palm softly, which makes my stomach flutter.
“I feel better now,” I say. “Are you?”
He gulps. His response makes me frown. I see the muscles in his neck move. I need to know that he’s okay too, but he doesn’t tell me that.
I know he’s still upset that I was assaulted while he was abroad, but I made it through.
Liam, please. Speak up. Tell me how you feel and what you’re worried about. Be honest with me, and don’t stop.
He stops me by holding my hand and rubbing my thumb on his face.
He suddenly says, “Do you want to go somewhere?”
I don’t know what to say. It seems like he still has more to say.
“You said you didn’t want to think about it anymore. Should we go on vacation?” He furrows his brow.
My mouth is open.
I never would have thought that Liam Carter would invite me to go on vacation with him.
“What?” I say softly. “But I thought we couldn’t go outside unless we were on a mission.”
Liam shakes his head, and I’m astonished to see that he’s amused. “It doesn’t apply to the leaders. You can’t possibly think that.”
I feel dumb all of a sudden. I still don’t know what to say. The thought of leaving this location that makes me feel trapped, even for a little time, is too good.
I can’t help but wonder, “Where do you want us to go?”
Liam comments, “A place my family used to go.”
I can tell he cares about it by the way he expressed it. It must be a special spot for him and his family.
“I haven’t been there in a long time,” he says. “I believe it’s time for me to go back there.”
I grin softly. If travelling to that spot will make Liam happy, I’ll go there right away.
It’s also a fantastic time for me, given what just occurred to me. This trip with Liam sounds like a great way to relax.
Liam squeezes my hand on his face and says, “What do you think, Emily?” “Do you want to come with me?”
I laugh and feel warm within. A second smile appears on my lips. “Of course. I would love to.”
I look out the window as the vehicle takes us to our destination. Tera is in the front passenger seat and Dustin is driving. Liam and I are at the back.
It’s nice to be back in town after being stuck in the mansion. I watch the folks on the sidewalk and the building we pass with my gaze. After a long period, it’s great to see life go back to normal.
Our trip takes hours, and as time goes on, the places we pass through become empty again. I’m becoming more and more excited now that we’ve left town. I think we’re going to get to our destination soon.
As the automobile slows down, I see a magnificent lake surrounded by trees and hills. I gasp and turn my head quickly to Liam.
“Liam.” I say his name with eagerness, and he merely nods in response.
When I see a cottage near to the lake, a grin creeps over my lips. It would be an understatement to say that this site is magnificent. The water is as pure as glass. The wooden cottage is near to the outside area, which has a lawn with big plants and a fire pit. The backyard has a lovely lake.
The four of us get out of the car after Dustin parks it. Dustin and Tera help us get our bags out of the car and into the cottage.
“Okay, just call us if you need anything,” Dustin says to us as he gets ready to go.
I frown. “Why so soon? Aren’t you guys going to stay with us for a while? We can have a barbecue by the lake,” I add, thinking that this could be the best idea for all of us. I’m sure Dustin and Tera are fatigued from the trip.