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“Because what they did to you is horrible,” Rich replies without looking up. With a surprising amount of tenderness, he cleans the wounds on both arms before looking up at me. “It’s okay to be a mess right now, Isabella.”
I sniff, another ripple of goosebumps breaking out across my skin. “When can I see Carter?”
“There’s a storm coming, so I haven’t been able to reach him,” Rich replies. “I was able to call ahead while I waited for them to release you, so the house is stocked. Don’t worry.”
I swallow. “I’m going to be staying here?”
Rich picks up the dirty rags and the bucket full of blood-tinted water and walks away. “You don’t have to see me if you don’t want to. You’re safe here, Isabella.”
I curl my legs underneath me and run a hand over my face. “Thank you.”
I hear the sound of running water and sink further against the couch. “I don’t know who they were or how they found me, but they knew exactly how to get to me.”
As if they’d been lying in wait, stalking me like prey.
I know Carter has a lot of enemies, but nothing like this has ever happened before.
And I’m a lot more rattled than I want Rich to know.
All I want is to curl up on the big bed next to Carter, tuck myself into his side, and fall asleep with my head pressed against his chest. Wave after wave of emotion builds within me, and I squeeze my eyes shut. When Rich returns to the living room, I force my eyes open and give him a weak smile.
“Did they hurt you?”
I shake my head. “Not like that. Thank God they didn’t get the chance.”
Rich looks relieved. “Good, why don’t I make us something to eat? Any allergies I should know about?”
I stand up and sway a little on my feet. “I can help you.”
Rich studies my face. “Why don’t you keep me company while I cook?”
I breathe a sigh of relief. “I can handle that.”
Gingerly, I follow him into the kitchen, where he pulls a bar stool out for me. I hop onto it, my legs dangling over the edge, and lean over the counter. “I’m sorry you couldn’t find your sister tonight.”
Rich opens and closes several cupboards. “I’ll find her eventually. I just have to keep looking.”
“She’s lucky to have a brother like you,” I whisper to his back. “Sometimes, I wonder what it would’ve been like to have siblings.”
Rich spins around and sets down a pan and a pot. He fills up the kettle with water and takes some vegetables and a package of chicken out of the fridge. “I actually wanted to be an only child, but I honestly can’t imagine my life without my sister.”
“What’s her name?”
“Lorna,” Rich replies before averting his gaze. “I can’t even remember what I said to her the last time we spoke, but I know it was something stupid.”
“It won’t be the last thing you say to her,” I offer, forcing my lips into a smile. “With the kind of money and resources you have, I’m sure you’ll be able to find her, and I’m pretty sure you could ask for more help now.”
Although I have no idea if Carter would be willing to offer it, considering how thin he’s spread.
Still, considering the kind of fate Rich just saved me from, I know it’s the least Carter can do.
Rich chops up the vegetables and cracks open two eggs. He places all the ingredients in a bowl and spins around to face me, the whisk moving steadily in his hand. “Speaking of help, how are things going with Carter? The last time you spoke, you were… concerned.”
I snort. “That’s an understatement. That journalist won’t stop coming after us.”
“After you,” Rich corrects apologetically. “She doesn’t actually want to hurt Carter. It seems like she’s just trying to lure him back or something.”
I sit up straighter. “Carter is not going to fall for it. He knows better now.”
