ression was neutral, but his eyes held a flicker

over her, a tidal wave of relief so powerful it

ehind a convenience store three blocks f

ming joy. A raw, keening sound escaped her throat as she co

e crumpled. "Halle!" He ran into her arms, burying his face in her shoulder. He was trembli

him tighter, stroking his hair. "W

with remembered fear, and pointed vague

e entrusted with his care had been abusing him

d made a call to one of his assistants. His voice was quiet, almos

nd, whatever it takes. I want it bankrupt. And find out which employee was responsible. Make sure they never work

justice. Another, smaller part felt a chill at the casual way

ss night, the emotional trauma, the physical toll of the last two days-it all h

hispered, her h

everything

A hospital bed. Sunlight streamed through a large window. Damien stood by th

ntered the room. She smiled warmly at Halle

red, pushing herself

lle's arm. "But we ran some routine tests. And I have some news." She paused, her sm

regnant. The word echoed in the sudden, roaring silence of her mind. Six weeks. She did the math.

would be the ultimate chain, binding her to

e, her eyes pleading. "Please," she whispered urgently. "Please don

s back. But she saw the genuine terror in Halle's eyes and gav

urned around. He walked over to the bed,

austion and malnourishment. She needs rest and a proper diet. I'll leave you two alone." As she passed Hall

making the mattress dip. He studied her, his

itter, angry retort rose to her lips. "What else

we are finalizing the divorce. I have someone I need to protect now." She

ly gone. He leaned over her, his voice a low threat. "Don't even thi

kewarm hospital broth fro

head away. "I

with broth, and brought it to her lips. It wasn't a r

d her mouth and swall