Finally having enough of the silence, I ask, “Why are you here?”
She flinches as though I’ve hit her and I watch as her eyes tear up. “I’m sorry, Mara.” She swipes at a wayward tear. “I’ve been a bitch to you and I’m sorry. I’m sorry for calling you a whore. I’m just damn sorry about everything. I’m pissed, okay. So damn angry—not at you—at someone else or me. I haven’t decided properly. Anyway, the truth is I do like Donovan but not in the way you obviously do. Okay, perhaps that’s a lie. I used to like Donovan that way, but I haven’t for a long while. He just seemed handy to get my own back on someone. No matter though, you’re my sister and I shouldn’t h
ave treated you that way. I’m sorry.”
I’m stunned. I never in a million years expected her to apologize to me. And who is this someone she’s referring to? She’s so damn private. I need to accept her apology though if we’re going to move forward. She’s my sister after all.
“Apology accepted. Who are you talking about?”
“It doesn’t matter.”
“Yes it does. If they caused you to act like you have been then it matters.”
“It’s just some guy I met at college. We dated a few times, well more like three months and then it went to shit. I’m good now and I really am sorry for being a bitch with you and Donovan.”
“Okay, but what about Dahlia? Why did you blackmail her?”
“Oh God,” she puts her head in her hands. “That was so stupid. Part of me stills blames her for Dad, even though I know it isn’t her fault which just doesn’t make any sense. When I saw what I did, I thought it would keep her away from us and it didn’t work in the end. I just can’t accept her yet. I’m not ready and I’m not sure if I ever will be. I don’t want to talk any more about that.”
“Okay.”
“I better go.” She kisses me on the forehead and then chuckles when she sees my stunned expression. “I wish I had my phone handy to capture that look.”
“I’m surprised.”
“That’s sad really because you shouldn’t be surprised. But we’ll work on it.”
“Okay.”
On her way over to the door, it starts to open and this time my heart beats so damn fast when I see my sexy man walking in. He’s changed clothes and shaved, making him look a lot better than he did when he left here hours before.
He checks me out. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine.”
“Donovan, I want to apologize.” Sarah steps in front of him. “I’m not going to get into it, but I’m sorry for being a bitch. You won’t have to worry about me from now on. I’m going to try and get back to being sisters with Mara instead of enemies.”
“That’s good.”
“I’m going. Take care of my sister for me.”
And with that, she’s gone.
“Um. Seriously?”
I grin. “Yep. Hopefully it will last longer than a week.”
Donovan shakes his head and comes over to me. He rests his arm on my pillow and caresses my face. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too, but I’m glad you went and got some rest. You looked shattered.” I take hold of his hand with mine and kiss his palm.
He kisses my nose before sitting in the chair he’s spent a lot of time in.
“Thalia and Callie made some chilli and cornbread.” He grins. “It was really good.”
“I bet it was. I’m glad they’re taking care of you while I’m stuck in here,” I say, my voice husky with tears.
Donovan scoots closer and rests his chin on our joined hands. “You’re coming home tomorrow to my house. I wish you were coming to live with me under different circumstances, but I can’t wait to have you there. In my bed with my arms around you while you sleep.”