I rose from the couch. “Someone tried to kill you yesterday. Until I find him, you’re not leaving.”
“What did you say?”
“The madman with the gun is still out there. You aren’t going anywhere.”
I saw the fear flash across her eyes. She stepped back and gripped a chair.
“Journey?”
She sank into the seat. “Asher.”
“What is it?” In one long stride, I was next to her. “Are you in pain?”
She shook her head. “No. No.”
I was on the verge of shouting for Agnes, but I realized this had nothing to do with her condition and everything to do with the realization that her life was in jeopardy.
“I don’t remember it,” she whispered.
“It’s ok. It will come back to you. You just need time to heal. Time to recover.”
Her gaze whipped to mine. “Someone tried to kill me?”
I nodded. “Yes.”
“Why?”
“I don’t know,” I replied. “Not yet, anyway.”
I wanted to pull her into my arms. Keep her safe. Tell her I’d kill the sick bastard who tried to hurt her. I’d never let her go again. But one thing at a time. Catch the killer first.
Six
Journey
I knew it was bad. I knew it had to be something horrific for Asher to be back in my life. But a murderer? A killer on the loose? I was paralyzed. I lost the ability to think or speak. I sat in the chair and shook. I shook so hard my teeth rattled.
I didn’t answer his questions. I didn’t move when he placed his hands on my shoulders.
“That’s it. I’m taking you back to bed. You shouldn’t be up. It’s too much too fast.”
I heard him speak. Archer’s arms lifted me in the air and he carried me to the bedroom. I wanted to protest. He had no right to touch me. To wrap his warmth around me. To comfort me. Or save me. I didn’t want any of it from him, yet at the same time, my instincts kicked in. I knew there was no one who could keep me safer. No one who had the intense level of detail where my safety was concerned.
He strolled through the room, maneuvering around the furniture.
I spoke up before he lowered me to the bed. “I can stand. I’m fine. You don’t need to carry me around like a doll.”
“You’re in shock.”
“Yes, but I’m not an invalid.” I wiggled against him, feeling more like myself.
Shock was the perfect word to describe it. I was filled with disbelief and bewilderment. How had something like this happened? And why couldn’t I remember it?
“Fine.” He lowered me gently until my feet touched the floor.
I quickly backed away as if his touch could singe my skin. I didn’t care if I lost my balance, or made myself dizzy.
“I want to be alone,” I announced.