Free Beyond Eden by Catherine Coulter

It’s too bad, but it’s true. Your face is badly bruised, but no broken bones. The bruises will fade in a couple of days. Go to sleep now. You’ll feel much better when you wake up. And I’ll be back, I promise you.”
    And she did as Nurse O’Conner said. When Lindsay next awoke, it was light outside, the sun high in the sky. Near noon, she thought vaguely, startled, for it had been in the dark of the night when the prince—For several minutes she didn’t know where she was. She focused on the sunlight, unconsciously leaning toward it, welcoming it into her. She remembered then, everything, though her mind fought against it. She started crying, like a faucet coming on without her permission, but she simplycouldn’t stop it. Her throat was clogged and it hurt to swallow, and as much as she gulped and wiped her eyes, she couldn’t make the tears stop. She finally decided it didn’t matter. She was alone. Thankfully, she was alone. Her face hurt dreadfully, and she felt as though someone had battered her insides.
    The door opened quietly. She kept her head turned away. She didn’t want to see anyone. Maybe it was one of those horrible doctors who had hurt her so badly, who hadn’t cared when they’d shoved things into her, who had shamed her to her soul.
    A man’s voice said very gently, “ Mademoiselle ? You are awake, are you not?”
    His English was accented, unlike Nurse O’Conner’s, but perfectly understandable. Still, she didn’t move, said nothing. Maybe he’d go away. Please let him go away.
    â€œI’m sorry to intrude upon you after what happened, but I must. I am Inspector Galvain with the Paris Sûreté. They sent me because I speak English passably well. I hope you will bear with my efforts. Mademoiselle? Please, you must speak to me. I am sorry, but it is so. I have no choice and neither do you.”
    She turned her head slowly on the pillow. She saw the surprise on his face and the flash of pity before he checked it. She raised her hand and touched her fingers to her bruised cheek and jaw. The prince had struck her many times, hard, with his fist.
    â€œIs he dead?”
    The inspector didn’t hesitate, and his voice was matter-of-fact. “No, he isn’t dead. Your sister’s aim wasn’t that good. Prince di Contini will live. He won’t feel particularly well for a week or two, but he willlive. But I do not wish to speak of him at the moment. My concern is with you. Please, you must tell me exactly what happened.”
    Lindsay shook her head. More tears spilled over and she swallowed. Where were they coming from? Her throat hurt so badly.
    â€œPlease, compose yourself. That is better. Take your time, there is no hurry. All so difficult, I know, petite. Just take your time.”
    â€œYou will get nothing reasonable out of her. I will tell you exactly what happened, Inspector.”
    It was Royce Foxe and he was standing in the doorway, looking strong and sure and confident. Lindsay couldn’t believe her eyes. Her father had come to her the moment he’d found what had happened to her. He’d come to her now because it was urgent that he be here for her. He had realized that and he’d come. Relief and love and forgiveness for his past indifference, his past cruelties, flowed through her. Lindsay tried to sit up but was too weak. It didn’t matter because her father was here for her. She smiled at him, raising her hand, and whispered, “Daddy.”
    Her father looked at her, then quickly away. He continued before the inspector could say anything, waving a hand toward Lindsay, “This stupid girl fell in love with Prince Alessandro di Contini nearly two years ago when she was only sixteen, at the wedding between the prince and her older sister, Sydney. She led him on. She worshiped him and showered him with all these silly feelings. She treated him like he was a god, and