Saving Dallas (Saving Dallas 1)

“Baby, I know you are upset, but I promise when you get home I am going to tell you everything. That may not sound like a lot to you, but it is the greatest thing I have to offer. I have kept you in the dark because I don’t want to lose you and I’m afraid you will run when I tell you what I have been avoiding since the first night I met you. You deserve to know Dallas and I have been selfish for keeping this from you. It kills me to know that when you need me I can’t be there.”

“I understand Luke,” I said stopping him before he could tell me anymore. “I’m fine, really. I should be home in a few days.”

I had made up my mind. Luke was everything I had ever wanted in a man. His complicated world had turned me upside down, but I loved it. I loved his friends and the relationship they had. I wanted that for myself, but most of all, I just wanted to be with him. Being without him these past few days were tough, but not as tough as it was before I knew he existed. I would take Luke anyway I could get him, and if that meant I had to come in second then so be it, because only one day with Luke was better than a lifetime without.

“I will make it up to you baby. I know you are tired of hearing that, but it’s the truth. I’m not perfect by any means, but I am a better man with you. Please don’t leave me.” His plea tugged at my heart. “Give me just a little time baby. I promise it will not always be like this.” I knew he wanted to tell me right then what was going on, but I trusted him. More than I had ever trusted anyone. “I’m not going anywhere. I promise. Go back to sleep. As soon as the doctor comes in I’ll text and let you know what he says.”

“No, you call me. I always have my phone on me. If you need anything or you just want to talk, call me.” I smiled at how fast he had gone from love struck Luke to biker bad boy, LLC.

“I will. I love you Luke.”

“I love you too baby. I’ll talk to you soon.” I hung up the phone feeling a little better about my situation. My glory was short lived when the doctor walked into the room.

“Hello, Miss Knox. I know the hour is unusual, but since your schedule is messed up and I just so happened to be on the floor, I thought I would stop by.”

The doctor was an older gentleman with hair as white as snow and kind brown eyes. He pulled a chair up next to me and took at seat.

“Miss Knox, I want you to know that no one other than myself and the lab techs know about the results of your blood work.” I felt like I was missing a piece of the puzzle, but I just nodded so he would continue. “Do you know anyone who would want to hurt you?” His question caught me completely off guard.

“Excuse me?”

“We found a small amount of arsenic in your system. Whoever poisoned you knew exactly the amount to give you to make you disoriented and sick, but not enough to kill you. The fluids we gave you as soon as you came in helped to push it through your system. I’m hoping that was the case and not the alternative-which is where they would have given you too much, causing your heart to stop immediately. The reason I am leaning towards the first conclusion is because if the dosage would have been more, your heart would have stopped instantly, and arsenic would have without a doubt shown up in an autopsy report.”

My head was spinning. This was too much. Who could have poisoned me, and if they were brave enough to do so why not just kill me?

“The police have not been notified, but my suggestion for you is to make that your next step.” The police? I would not want all the publicity. I could see the tabloids now-“DALLAS KNOX MILLIONAIRE BACHORLETTE POSIONED BY IRATE CO-WORKERS.”

“No police. I don’t want this all over the news and papers.” He shook his head as if he understood and patted my knee.

“It was a close call Miss Knox, but you will be just fine. I’m going to keep you today and you can go home tomorrow morning. The side effects will last a few more days but your strength will return soon enough. Just take it easy for about a week.”

“Please don’t tell anyone about this. I would like it to remain between you and me,” I said pleadingly.