For a moment, I push away the worries of how I’ll explain everything. I’m happy. I get to see my sister after being apart for months.
“She’s going to want answers.”
“Of course she will. And she’ll get explanations.”
But they won’t be the truth.
* * *
Sin’s phone alerts him to a new message. “It’s Jamie—texting to let me know he and Ellison just arrived.”
I may throw up. Really. “I’m more nervous than a fox at a hound convention.”
“At least you still have your humor.” Sin sits on the edge of my bed and places his hand on my leg. “Don’t be so tense. The story’s a good one. She has no reason to suspect it’s a lie.”
“Anyone still here?”
“My parents are in the waiting room. And Mitch, but he’s still with Lainie.”
“He’s been with her for hours.”
“I sent Kyle to relieve him but he said he was fine and wouldn’t leave.” That’s a little strange.
“Will you tell Kyle and Blare to not allow anyone in my room while Ellison’s here?” The less contact she has with The Fellowship, the better.
“I’ve already put out an order for everyone to stay away from the hospital. A large crowd draws attention. I’d prefer the staff didn’t figure out it was my face all over the newspaper the past few days.”
Agreed. I don’t want my nurses to realize who Sin is, either, but right now I’m more concerned with my sister figuring it out.
There’s a light tap on the door. Ellison doesn’t wait for an invitation to come inside. I’m not sure if that’s a nurse thing or a sister thing.
The smile she’s wearing when she enters fades when she sees my face. “My God, Bleu!”
She looks at Sin and back to me before darting to my bedside. “No one told me you were in the hospital because you looked like this. What the hell happened to you?”
Lacerations decorate my forehead. Edema has almost forced both of my eyes closed. The discoloration of my face darkens by the hour. This must be a terrible shock for her.
I put my hand to my cheek and smile. Even that hurts. “I assure you it looks much worse than it really is.”
“Who did this to you?”
“That’s the question of the day. I was mugged while walking to the market.”
“What kind of mugger stomps the hell out of a woman while stealing her purse? And how did you let anyone best you? You’re able to kick anybody’s ass.”
She isn’t buying what I’m selling. My sister knows I’ve been trained well to handle such situations. “The guy was huge and I was caught off guard.”
“Bleu. You’re never caught off guard.”
She’s right. “Even I get preoccupied sometimes.”
“So this guy just walked up, kicked the shit out of you, and then ran off with your purse?”
I need to add something more to the story to make it seem real. “Yeah. He was acting like a raving lunatic. He had to be high or something.”
“Are the police doing anything to find the asshole who did this to you?”
“They are. Two very nice detectives came to see me and assured us everything possible was being done.” That part is true.
“Are you sure there isn’t more to this? There are two men guarding your door.”
“That’s just Sin being overprotective.”
“I don’t think he’s being a bit overprotective after what you just went through. What about the babies?”
I’m not going into details about the tear in the placenta. She’ll freak out. I know I did when Sin finally told me about it. “I’ve had some bleeding so I’ll be on bed rest for a while.”
“Then it’s a good thing I’m here. You’re going to need me.”
There’s an impending war with The Order. I can’t think of a time when I need her here less. “We spoke four days ago and you didn’t mention a word about coming.”
She looks away, avoiding my eyes. That’s not a good sign. “I wanted it to be a surprise.”
I don’t believe her. “Liar. Something happened.”
“You using your human lie detector skills on me again?”
“Maybe.”
“Well, a little something might have happened.”
My idea of a little something and Ellison’s often differ greatly. “What kind of a little something are we talking about?”
She drops her face and pats the top of her head. She always did this when she was a kid and got into trouble. “Oh God. It’s so stupid, Bleu.”
She looks over at Sin and Jamie before whispering, “And embarrassing.”
I look at my husband and nod toward the door. It’s my cue for him and Jamie to give us some privacy.
He understands and comes to kiss the top of my head. “Need anything while I’m out?”
It’s been hours and no one has told me anything about my new friend. “I’d love an update on how Lainie’s doing.”
“Of course. Want anything to eat?”
I still don’t have an appetite. Getting your gut stomped doesn’t do much for that. “I don’t think so. But don’t worry. I have the IV.”
“Will you try to eat something for the babies?”
God, I’d kill for some Lipton’s sweet tea with lemon. The good ol’ syrupy kind. But it’s a southern thing. People around here look at you like you’re crazy if you ask for sweet tea.
I can’t think of a thing that sounds good right now. “Surprise me.”
“A double order of haggis it is, then.” I wrinkle my nose and pretend to gag.
“Sorry, Bonny. Couldn’t resist.” Sin chuckles.
Ellison waits until they’re gone. “I take it you don’t love haggis?”
“Nope.”
Ellison plops in the chair at my bedside. “You aren’t going to believe the level of stupidity I’ve been able to achieve since you’ve been gone.”
She’s stalling. I hate that. “Come off it already.”
“I had to leave my job at Southaven.”
I don’t have it in me to drag this out of her. Not today. “Because?”
“I was given a random drug screen … and I failed.”
What? My sister doesn’t take drugs. “There must’ve been an error.”
She shakes her head. “No. It was no mistake.”
“What did you test positive for?”
“Ecstasy.”
“Since when do you take that?”
“Since never … except for this one time. I went out with some friends from work. We met these really cute guys on Beale Street … and they were musicians … and I guess we got a little carried away. It was supposed to be a fun night but now I’m totally fucked.”
“You said you left your job. Does that mean you weren’t fired?”
“The hospital told me I had to take a leave of absence and enter a voluntary rehabilitation program if I wanted to maintain employment with them.”
“So do it.”
“No way. It’s ridiculous.” She looks completely outraged. “I don’t have a drug problem. I took ecstasy one time while I was partying with friends. Why would I commit to a drug rehabilitation program when I don’t have an addiction?”
I know Ellison doesn’t have a drug dependency. “You do it because you want to save your job.”
“Do you have any idea how humiliating it is to have all my coworkers know I tested positive? I can’t go back to work with those people.”
“Then get a different job.”
“I’m on probation with the Board of Nursing. I can’t apply for a job without disclosing that. It’s on my record. No one is going to hire a nurse with a drug offense.”
I hope she has a backup plan. “Then what are you planning to do?”
“I have no idea. But it’s a total clusterfuck of suck back home. People are calling to help when all they really want is to hear the lowdown on what happened with my head nurse. I couldn’t take it anymore. I had to get aw
ay so I could think without being badgered.”
I don’t need Ellison here now, but I can’t turn my back on her. I’ve done that too much already.
My doctor has ordered me to be on bed rest for a while. That’s the perfect excuse to stay home and out of the line of fire of anything The Order might do. “You’re welcome to stay with us as long as you like.”
“Sinclair won’t mind?” She chooses now to ask? That’s just like Ellison.
“Of course not. You’re my sister. You’re always welcome in our home.”
“Oh my God. You have no idea how relieved I am to hear you say that.”
“Sin’s going to know you didn’t up and decide to come here for no reason. And I won’t lie to him.”
“I understand. I don’t want to cause any problems between you but can you please make sure he knows I’ve always been a law-abiding citizen? I don’t want him to think I’m some kind of criminal.”
I barely contain the laughter threatening to escape. “I can promise you without a shadow of doubt that Sin will not think less of you because you broke the law one time while having a little fun with your friends.”
“I know, but he doesn’t really know me. I don’t want him to have the wrong impression of me.”
It’s difficult to withhold the grin threatening to spread across my face. “No worries, Elli. He’ll be cool about it. Promise.”
Sin gives me an hour with Ellison before returning. “Okay to come back?”
“Sure. Were you able to find out how Lainie is?”
“She’s fine. No concussion so they’re getting ready to release her.”
The Fellowship didn’t take Lainie. She voluntarily walked––no, ran––from The Order. She’s bound to them until death. “She won’t have anywhere to go.”
Sin lifts his brows. “And?”
“She can’t go back to them.” The Order could kill her. I don’t dare say those words in front of Elli but surely Sin knows this.
I really need Ellison to go away for a few minutes so we can discuss this further.
I’m very afraid for Lainie’s safety. I don’t think it matters that Torrence is dead. “Her husband has friends in high places,” I say.
“He does indeed.”
“His reach is long and she’s going to need help.”
“I’m guessing you mean ours?”
“I’d like her to stay with us until she can make other arrangements.”
He’s quiet. I’m hoping that means he’s thinking it over rather than coming up with a way to tell me no.
I haven’t had the opportunity to tell Sin about the days I was held captive by The Order. “Lainie has been very kind to me. I consider her a good friend. Offering her safe haven is the least we can do for the kindness she showed me.”
“All right. I’ll have Mitch stay at our flat with her until we can figure out something else.”
I’m certain my sister will wonder why Lainie can stay at our flat but she can’t. I need to offer an explanation. “Thane and Isobel have a guest house. I’m not comfortable asking them if a complete stranger can stay there, so it’s better for them to host you.”
“I’m a complete stranger to Sin’s parents,” Ellison says.
“Not really. You’ve never met, but you’re my family. Isobel is a hostess at heart so she’ll be thrilled to have you. And their guest accommodations are luxurious. There’s nothing to not love about it. You’ll probably want to stay indefinitely.”
“I don’t want to put them out.”
“I’m certain they won’t mind a bit.”
“My mum adores Bleu,” Sin says. “She’ll do anything for her.”
Ellison needs convincing. “And she’ll adore you as well.”
“Okay, okay. Stop twisting my arm.”
“How long do we have the pleasure of your company?” Sin asks.
Ellison adjusts in her seat and clears her voice. “There are circumstances surrounding my visit. I haven’t worked all of that out just yet.”
Taking ecstasy once will be a trivial offense in Sin’s book but Ellison doesn’t need to see how unconcerned he is about it. “There’s no need to hash all of it out again. I can fill Sin in on the details later.”
“Bleu tells me she’ll be on bed rest. She’s going to need someone with her around the clock so I’ll stay as long as she needs a caregiver.”
No. That’s the last thing I need. “You’re here to be my sister, not my nurse. We can hire someone to do that.”
“I’m your sister and I’m a nurse. It’s silly to hire someone you don’t know when I can take care of you. Think it over before you immediately say no.”
Who am I kidding? She isn’t going to take no for an answer.
Sin interrupts. “All right, then. I’ll have Jamie take you to Agnes’s to gather your belongings and then he’ll drive you to my parents’ house.”
“Ah, Jamie.” She looks dreamy eyed. “Can’t say I’ll mind being stuck in a car with him again.”
She need not go there. “Don’t get any ideas. He’s all wrong for you.”
“He’s hot. That’s never wrong. What does he do?”
And here we go. “He’s a doctor, last year of specialty training in emergency medicine.” Jamie fits Ellison’s type perfectly––handsome doctor––so I can predict this is going to be trouble. “Don’t even think about it.”
“Why not? Is he gay?”
“You know, I’ve often wondered the same thing,” Sin says without the hint of a smile.
Ellison has no idea he’s kidding.
“Fine, if that’s his thing. I only asked because I never want to waste my time again on a guy who prefers the company of men.” Her former boyfriend used her as a cover to hide his homosexuality––or bisexuality––from their coworkers. Either way, it’s clear she’s still harboring some pain about it.
“Sin is pulling your leg. Jamie isn’t gay but his specialty traineeship keeps him very busy. He doesn’t date. Work comes first so you shouldn’t waste your time pursuing him.” The truth is I have no idea how Jamie feels about medicine.
“Loving what you do isn’t a personality flaw.”
I shouldn’t have worded it that way. Ellison has a strong attraction for doctors who are passionate about medicine. It’s always the common denominator with her and any man she dates.
I look to Sin for help with discouraging her.
“Jamie fucks around whenever he feels like it. He’s not really into dating or relationships,” Sin says.
Shit. That’s not at all what I needed him to say about Jamie. Ellison loves a challenge.
My husband and I typically do well on our nonverbal communication but we must work on it where Ellison is concerned.
“I just texted Jamie. He’s in the waiting room with Mum and Dad but says he’s about to leave.”
“Then I guess you should take Ellison out to meet Thane and Isobel and make the arrangements.”
“I’m certain Mum and Dad will want to stay here but it won’t be a problem. Their housekeeper should be there today. She can help Ellison get settled in.”
Ellison comes to me with open arms. “God, I’m so relieved you’re okay.” She puts her hand on my abdomen and pats it. “And these two little peanuts.”
“I’m happy you’re here.” Her presence causes huge problems I can’t even begin to address but I’m still thrilled to have her here.
“Me too. We have months of catching up to do.” She kisses my face. “I’ll be back as soon as I’m able to get a ride. How should I handle that, by the way? A taxi?”
“Sin will give you his number. All you have to do is call when you’re ready to come and he’ll make the arrangements to get you here.”
“Sounds like Sinclair knows how to make things happen.”
She has no idea. And I hope she never does. “Sometimes.”
“Should I expect jet lag?”
“Definitely, so don’t feel like you have to get here early. Sleep
in.”
“I’ll probably send my driver for you,” Sin says. “His name is Sterling.”
Ellison spins around. “You have a driver?”
I haven’t volunteered a bit of information about my life in Edinburgh, and Ellison hasn’t asked. I’m sure she’s been under the impression that my lifestyle with Sin is similar to the one we had growing up. It’s not.
I have a strong feeling every assumption my sister has about my life as Mrs. Sinclair Breckenridge is about to change. And not for the better.
Chapter Six
Sinclair Breckenridge
The living room walls have changed from off-white to light steel gray since Bleu was home.
“Wow. Looks great in here. No one will ever be able to tell that there was once a bloody message smeared all over that wall.”
“Mum picked it. She suggested we keep it neutral since we’ll be putting the flat on the market as soon as we find our house.”
The last conversation we had before The Order kidnapped Bleu was about buying a new house for our growing family. I go to her from behind and hug her gently. I lace our fingers and press my head to hers as I search for a way to put my thoughts into words. “You will never know how terrified I was for you.” My palms migrate to her still-flat stomach, taking her hands with mine. “And our little ones.”
She twists in my arms so we’re face to face. “I need to tell you everything that happened.”
She isn’t aware that I already know what Torrence tried to do to her. “Your doctor told me about the findings of your exam.”
“I need to tell you everything so I’m certain you understand exactly what happened.”
This isn’t necessary. “I don’t need you to torture yourself about what he did by reliving it.”
“Torrence tried to rape me. But I was able to stop him.”
“You don’t have to do this for me, Bonny. I don’t need to hear it to be okay.”
“I need to do it for me.”
She tugs on my hands, leading me to our sofa. “We struggled for a minute. He was really weak so I easily got him into a chokehold. It was almost too easy. The man had no upper body strength. I was literally only seconds away from choking the life out of him when his men came into the room and stopped me. As you can imagine, he was pretty pissed off so he told them to beat me. The anemia from the pregnancy weakened me so I wasn’t able to fight. All I could do was curl into a ball on the floor to try to protect our babies.”