Free Earth Enchanted by Brynna Curry Page A

face. “All right, but in bed you stay.” Then she pointed at Sam. “Law or not, out. Your five minutes are up. Out!”
    A few minutes later, Liv opened the door to his room. Sam had told her of the fit Jack had thrown to get her admitted in, embellished of course.
    “Hey there, Jack.” He could see she was relieved, but there was worry in her eyes, and tears. She’d been crying for him. How long had it been since someone had cared that much?
    “Are you really going to be okay?”
    “Come here, Liv.” He patted the edge of the bed. When she hesitated, he held out his hand to her. “You’re not going to hurt me any. They have enough pain meds in this drip to knock out a horse. I heard you crying and calling me, but I had to have been dreaming.” Jack noticed how gently she sat on the very edge of the bed, probably not wanting to jostle him. Keep it light . “You know something. About four hours ago I decided I wanted you in my bed, but this wasn’t quite what I had in mind.”
    “Well, now, you waste no time making your intentions known, do you? I’ll just file that away for later. So when can I spring you from this joint, officer?”
    Jack didn’t say anything for a moment, but his hand clenched hers. It was a reaction and he released it as soon as it happened. “Former officer, and it was detective before I left. Personal reasons I’d rather not talk about, okay?”
    “Maybe another time then, but I’ve forgotten something.” She leaned down, very carefully, and kissed him. “Thank you, Jack, for saving my life. I’m so sorry it could have cost you yours.”
    “Don’t thank me, Liv.” He narrowed his eyes, studied her. “Why didn’t they check you out downstairs? Somebody should have taken a look at you.” Her forehead had a deep nasty gash on it that had long since stopped bleeding. She could have a head injury. It would probably scar and he’d bet she wouldn’t be happy about it. Her arms were covered in bloody welts. Her jeans were ripped. She was beautiful. “Your pretty face has cuts on it, Liv.”
    “Pretty with gashes on my head?” He wanted to laugh at the way Liv eyed the I.V. line warily. “So what kind of drugs did they give you anyway? Can I have some?”
    Jack craned his neck and followed Liv’s progress across the room. She disappeared through the heavy door into the bathroom. She would assess the damage and see all his blood. “You’re not going to pass out in there, Liv. Come on, pull it together. I’ll call Nurse Helga in here.”
    A smile ghosted her mouth, but when she stumbled back to him, her eyes had gone almost black with shock. He pulled her down to sit beside him with his good arm. “Listen to me, Olivia.” He made his voice firm though it wanted to shake. “You’ve done great so far. Don’t give out on me now.” Why did what could have been always sneak up on you when everything was over and done?
    “I won’t. I’ll be fine.”
    “Just stay with me and we’ll get through it. We’re gonna find out why.”
    “Call your brother and let him take you home. You’ll feel better once you’ve cleaned up and eaten something.”
    “No, I won’t leave ’til you do. I’ll sleep in the lobby if I have to, but stay I will.”
    * * * *
    It was two o’clock in the morning when Ryan was awakened by his telephone ringing. The fear was instantaneous. He cautiously answered it, “Hello?”
    “Corrigan, how is your sister doing after her little tryst in the park?”
    It was him. He had Liv. Full blown panic slammed into him. “What have you done with her?” he yelled. “Where is she? I swear if you’ve harmed her I’ll—”
    Cold laughter on the line mocked him.
    “You’ll do nothing. I’ll let you wonder for a moment about the where. Don’t think about turning on me. Next time I’ll make sure to be a lot messier. Consider it a friendly warning between business associates.”
    Then there was nothing, no one to plead to. He didn’t need to check her