Somewhere in the back of my mind, I know this time with my son Ian is not real. However, his laughter banishes the pain. And his small hand in mine gives me strength. I hold onto him tightly, achingly aware that at any moment he will be gone. Looking down at him, I take in his features, branding them into my memory. I never want to forget his curly brown hair, his inquisitive blue eyes, or his chubby cheeks. He is the best part of Camille and I; a gift that was tragically stolen from me. I will put the painful thought away, concentrating on Ian and the time I have with him now.
“Where do we go from here, little man?” I peer down at my son, meeting his gaze.
“Ice keem, ice keem,” he chants. “I want ice keem, Daddy.”
My heart melts. It has been so long since I’d been called Daddy. Joy spreads through me, healing my fractured soul and battered body.
“What flavor ice cream would you like?”
“I like banilla.”
I lift him up onto my shoulders, and we say good to the dinosaurs.
“Let’s fly, Daddy.” Ian spreads his arms and makes airplane sounds as we leave the museum behind.
Next stop, the carousel at Central Park and ice cream cones.
Chapter 7
Avery
It’s nearly eight o’clock when I emerge from my home office. The penthouse is quiet and there is no sign of Lucian or Maggie. I make my way to the kitchen for a glass of water, and the mouthwatering dish Maggie has prepared tempts me. One of the best things about the end of a work day is dinner with Lucian. With my glass of water in hand, I return to my office to retrieve my iPhone. There are six missed calls, two from Katelyn, three from Raina, and one from Reagan. There is also a text from Raina with just one word: ‘URGENT.’
I decide to call Raina first, but the call goes to voicemail. My next attempt at calling her is put to an end by the imposing figure in the doorway.
“Miss West, we need to go.” William’s tone fills me with dread. “There’s been an accident. Mr. Thorne has been taken to the hospital.”
For a moment I think he’s speaking in code and I don’t have the key to decipher it. Then suddenly everything becomes clear. Lucian not being here and the missed calls. I move on autopilot, racing to the bedroom for my purse. William is waiting with the elevator ready to go when I enter the foyer.
The drive to the hospital seems to take forever, and I try not to think the worst.
“Do you know what happened?” I ask William, meeting his gaze in the rearview mirror.
“I don’t have any details. All I know is that Mr. Thorne and Franklin are injured and have been taken to the hospital.” Breaking eye contact, William continues to maneuver us skillfully through traffic.
The car pulls up outside the hospital, and I have the back-passenger door open, sprinting toward the sliding doors before it comes to a complete stop. On the ride over, Reagan text that Lucian had been moved to a private room and will be staying overnight for observation. William catches up to me at the elevator. I tap my foot impatiently, as the elevator stops on every goddamn floor. Katelyn is the first person I see when we reach Lucian’s floor. Walking past the nurse’s station I make my way to her.
“Where is he?” I ask without preamble.
Katelyn’s red puffy eyes stare back at me. “He’s here resting,” she says, pointing to the door directly behind her. “We’re waiting for the doctor to come back with the results of Lucian’s MRI.”
“I need to see him.” My voice is strained, holding back tears.
“Of course.” She steps aside, and I walk in the room.
Jake is there with him, sitting vigil at his bedside.
My footsteps are weighted with lead as I approach the bed, every step harder to take for fear of what I might find. I gasp, seeing Lucian’s head wrapped in a bandage. The sound gets Jake’s attention. He’s on his feet, ushering me to a seat before my knees have a chance to go weak.
“What happened?” I hear the plea in my voice, begging for answers.
Jake takes a seat beside me and begins filling in the blanks.
“He was leaving work, and just as he approached his limo it exploded. The impact of it knocked him to the ground, causing him to hit his head. He’s been unconscious since. His doctor has assured me that he’ll make a full recovery, but for now he just needs rest.”
I think I might be in shock. The news of the explosion rattles around in my brain and it’s all I can concentrate on. Jake’s voice clears away the debris, bringing clarity of mind along for the ride.
“We don’t know yet what caused the explosion, but Carter and Reagan are investigating it.”
I nod, and a single tear drops to my cheek.
“I’ve arranged for you to stay here with Lucian.” A small degree of happiness is restored, and I’m grateful that I don’t’ have to leave Lucian here alone.
“I don’t know if he can hear you, but if hearing your voice and knowing that you’re safe will aid in his recovering, that’s what we’ll give him.”
“Thank you,” I manage to say.
“Don’t mention it. He’d do the same for me.” Standing, Jake glances towards the door. “If you’ll excuse me, I have to check on Katelyn. And give you some privacy.”
Left alone, I make my way to Lucian’s bedside.
“Please come back to me.” Holding Lucian’s hand, I take Jake’s advice and hope he hears my voice.
I tell him about my day, like I have every night since we’ve been living together.
“We have a release date for Unbreakable Spirit. And my agent wants me to do a few book signings and interviews, to help promote the movie based on Tainted Soul. But I don’t know if I’m ready for that. Carol Maris has been my shield for so long; stepping out from behind her means reopening wounds that still haven’t fully healed.”
Lucian’s hand twitches in mine, but his eyes remain closed. I squeeze gently, taking it as a good sign that he hears me. That he can somehow sense my presence the way he always seems to.
“I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be here when you open your beautiful blue eyes.”
I don’t know how long I’ve been talking to Lucian when his parents enter the room. Lucinda’s gasp gets my attention. Her complexion is pale with worry and her footsteps are unsteady as she makes her way to Lucian’s bedside. I offer my hand, lending her what little strength I can. Charles stands nearby reviewing Lucian’s chart.
“The MRI shows no sign of swelling in the brain,” Charles announces after closing the chart. “He’s going to be okay. All we can do now is wait and let him rest.”
The information somehow makes me feel better, hearing it from Dr. Charles Thorne, a renowned neurosurgeon and Lucian’s father. The three of us take turns sitting at Lucian’s side.
“Carter has arranged for around the clock security here at the hospital until Lucian is released,” Charles says, joining me in the small sitting area of the private room.
I nod, expecting no less from Lucian’s security team.
“Do you know anything about Franklin’s condition?”
“He’s stable, but critical. Dr. Wiseman was able to repair his spleen and stop the internal bleeding. He’s suffered second degree burns on his hands, torso, and thighs. He’ll be transferred to the burn unit for treatment.”
“Has he awakened yet?” I ask as my attention returns to Lucian
“No, they’re keeping him sedated until his vitals improve. Mr. Franklin has a long road to recovery ahead of him, but his heart is strong, and he’ll get through it.”
A tap at the door draws our attention. A man enters the room, wearing green scrubs and a bright smile. Charles stands to greet him.
“Richard, it’s good to see you.” The men shake hands.
“You as well, Charles. I’m just sorry it’s under these circumstances.”
Charles nods, extending his left hand to me. “This is Avery West, my son’s fiancé.” I nearly stumble at the introduction.
“Pleased to me
et you, Miss West,” Dr. Bone greets warmly. According to his ID badge he is Dr. Richard Bone, Head of Neurosurgery.
“Nice to meet you too, Dr. Bone.”
“When I heard Mr. Thorne had been admitted, I wanted to come personally to check in on the son of my mentor.”
“The hospital staff is providing Lucian with excellent care, I assure you.”
“Would you like for me to arrange for you to stay in the on-call room tonight?” Dr. Bone suggests.
“That’s very considerate of you, Richard, but Lucinda and I are staying with our daughter tonight.”
At the mention of her name Lucinda looks our way briefly. Her attention has been focused solely on Lucian since she arrived. The men engage in small talk and I step away, tuning them out. My thoughts take me back to the man lying peacefully in the hospital bed. I try to imagine who could possibly want to hurt him and why. It’s been weeks since we’ve had any communication about Samantha. And it’s hard to believe she still has any allies willing to do her bidding from behind bars. But nothing is impossible and where Samantha is concerned nothing is inconceivable. She is a master manipulator, who is obsessed with Lucian. And I’m not sure she wants to see him dead. But someone obviously does.
Charles is walking Dr. Bone to the door, when he says goodnight over his shoulder. I return his goodnight, but Lucinda barely acknowledges it. Stepping out into the hall Charles is gone nearly twenty minutes. When he re-enters the room, he’s carrying a small overnight bag. I immediately recognize the bag as mine.
“Reagan went to the penthouse to pick up a few things for you.” Charles answers my unspoken question. “It’s getting late,” He says. “Lucinda and I will come back in the morning, in the meantime, you try to get some rest. Lucian wouldn’t want you neglecting your own your needs for his sake.”
I nod, knowing he is right. Lucian wouldn’t want any of us fretting over him.
Charles gathers Lucinda and they say goodnight before heading out the door and closing it behind them. When Lucian and I are alone again I go through my overnight bag. It’s nearly midnight and I’m struggling to keep my eyes open. In the private bathroom I change into a pair of pajamas and brush my teeth. Walking back into the room I notice for the first time that the room is equipped with two beds. My body tenses, immediately rejecting the thought of not sharing a bed with Lucian. Since the bed conveniently has wheels, I roll it over to nestle against Lucian’s bed, creating a bed big enough for two. I climb into bed and assume the position. Snuggling as close to Lucian as I can, I rest my head on his chest. His heartbeat has become my lullaby and the soothing rhythm lulls me to sleep.
LUCIAN IS NOT IN BED beside me when I awake. My first thought is they’ve taken him for more tests. But that notion is quickly banished when my surroundings come into focus. I’m back at the apartment I shared with my mother and adoptive father ten years ago. A loud crash has me racing down the hall to my mother’s office. Coming face to face with Samantha, sitting on my mother’s desk brings me to an abrupt halt. But my heart seizes at the sight of Lucian on his knees with a gun pointed to his head.
“Did you come to watch the demise of Lucian Thorne?” Samantha’s sadistic tone sends chills of terror through my blood. But it’s the pure evil in her eyes that has me fearing for Lucian’s safety.
“I don’t want him to die. Please,” I beg “Let him live.”
“I have the power to show mercy and I will if you’ll do one thing in return for my generosity,” she taunts.
In this moment I know that making a deal with the devil is my only choice.
“What do you want, Samantha?” I hear myself echoing Lucian’s question to her weeks ago. “Let him go and I’ll do whatever you want.”
“We understand each other perfectly. Because what I want is for you to let him go,” she scowls.
Once again Lucian’s words echo my thoughts. I would do anything to keep him safe. I would even risk breaking his heart. I nod in acquiescence. The pain darkening his beautiful irises is more than I can bear. Unable to meet Lucian’s gaze, I lower my head.
“You promise not to hurt him.” The words choke out, filled with despair.
“As long as you stay away, he’ll be safe.” Her voice is cold and unsympathetic to my pain.
I want to beg her for a moment alone to say goodbye to Lucian, but before I can utter the words she shoots him in the head. His body falls to the floor and his blood pools at my feet.
“I changed my mind,” Samantha announces. “I like the thought of you living with knowing that his last moments were filled with despair and heartbreak because of you. He died knowing that you turned your back on him and couldn’t look him in the eye to say goodbye.”
Dropping to my knees, I beg the universe to take me. I beg for a chance to make it right, for a chance to gaze into his eyes again. Samantha’s laughter fries my brain, blinding me with an all-consuming rage. I attack her, blow after blow pounding her head into the floor until all that’s left is a shattered mess.
Crawling back to Lucian, I rest my head on his chest. The silence is deafening. I close my eyes and pull the trigger.
THE SOUND OF HEART-wrenching sobs wakes me, dragging me from the grips of a nightmare. Movement in the doorway and a rush of adrenaline jolts me up into a sitting position. Before I know what’s happening, I leap off the bed. I become a predator attacking and defending my territory. Gripping the wrist of my intruder, I twist their arm upward. Something crashes to the floors as I force the intruder down onto their knees. With my free hand I wrap my finger around the intruder’s throat and squeeze tight.
“Miss West, I’ve come to check Mr. Thorne’s vitals.” The words are raspy as fingers claw at my hand, attempting to pry it loose.
Panic rises when the door opens, and I worry I may not be able to protect Lucian. A large shadowy figure steps inside, and the darkness gives way to bright lights.
“Is everything...” William’s words fall away when his gaze meets mine.
I watch as William approaches me carefully, and for a moment I see a hint of fear in his eyes. I’m not sure if he’s afraid for me, the woman I hold in my grasp, or himself. Removing my hands, he frees the woman. She runs off without looking back.
“I thought she came to hurt Lucian,” I offer by way of explanation. “The room was dark and for a moment I’d forgotten that we’re at the hospital.”
Walking back to the bed where Lucian lays undisturbed, I stare at him for a moment before facing William again.
“I know I don’t need to tell you this, but I’m going to anyway.” I don’t recognize my own voice, altered by fear and determination. “No one gets into this room without prior authorization. Because I can guarantee you that any perceived threat will be treated with extreme aggression. I will protect him,” I say, declaring my intent.
Someone tried to kill Lucian yesterday. I don’t want there to be a second attempt.
“Carter has already distributed a preapproved list to the guards assigned to Mr. Thorne while he’s in the hospital. I’ll get you a copy.”
I nod, accepting that he is indulging me. Carter Lincoln and Thorne Security does not need instructions from me. I know they will do whatever it takes to keep Lucian safe.
“Will you remind the hospital staff to knock before entering? I don’t want a repeat of what just happened.”
“Yes, ma’am.” William tries to hide his smile, but it’s evident in his voice. “I should go find the nurse and make sure she’s okay.”
I give him a nod, and he mimics the gesture before leaving the room.
Climbing back into bed, I sit, watching over Lucian. The rising sun peeks through the blinds on the window, casting a warm shimmering glow over the room. In the quiet seclusion, memories of my nightmare come rushing forward. The thought of losing Lucian causes a palpable ache in my chest, pounding my heart. I break out in a cold sweat, my lungs constrict, and I try desperately to get my breathing under control, fighting the darkness as I begin to hyp
erventilate. I don’t know when my hand reached for Lucian’s, but the involuntary reflex of his hand twitching against mine anchors me. Soothing me the way only he can, chasing away the darkness.
Once my breathing has returned to normal, I whisper in Lucian’s ear, “You’re forever mine. Come back to me.” I find a measure of comfort when his hand twitches again.
Chapter 8
Lucian
Hovering on the edge of consciousness, I try willing my eyes to open to see her. The sound of her voice draws me closer. I wear her love like a shield into battle; each word gives me strength to fight the darkness. “Please come back to me.”
Her words reverberate through me, urging me forward. But I struggle to hear her, when the pain refuses to release me. Surrendering to unconsciousness, the pain begins to slip away, and so does she.
I don’t know long the darkness has held me prisoner before I hear my mother’s strained voice. Her words are soothing, but I hear the agony in them. I want to reassure her, but once again my body ignores my command. So, I listen.
“I believe that you can hear me, son. The doctors have told us that you need time and rest is the best thing for you. They don’t know you like I do. They don’t how strong you are, and how strong your mind is. You may be tempted to hit the snooze button, but you’ve always been an earlier riser. Your father has assured us that you will wake up soon, so I’m not going to worry. You rest my sweetheart, but not for too long.”
My mother’s lips brush my forehead as she says goodnight. And I try once again to open my eyes.
It’s quiet for a long time, but the darkness does not claim me, and the pain is becoming bearable.
My body begins to hum with energy, when she nestles against me, resting her head on my chest. I want to wrap my arm around her and hold her until she falls asleep. When my body refuses to cooperate, I rest peacefully, aware of her body pressing against mine.
Inseparable Bond Page 5
