His Friend, My Living Hell

Kell

dress a stark contrast to the couture gowns around me. Julian stood by Fabiola's side all evening, his hand possessively

the room and gave a subtle, almos

eyes were on me, a mixture of curiosity and contempt.

he microphone, sounding thin and strange to my own ea

ent throug

, I made unfair accusations. Dr. Barron is a surgeon of the highest caliber, and the complications my f

re. I turned and walked off the stage, my face burning with sh

at the bottom of the steps, a

hy. "But I think a grand gesture is in order. My driver is waiting. I need you t

aid, my v

ad materialized at her side. "Julia

as a silent com

the grand ballroom, the sound of thei

, a deep sense of unease creeping up my spine. The garage w

ncrete pillar, blocking my path. They were large,

" one of th

s. They were too strong. One pinned my arms behind my back while the other deliver

eezed, slumping agai

gly sound. "Fabiola sends her regards. She sa

in. I curled into a fetal position, trying to protect my head and stomach, but there was n

alone, on the filthy fl

es of my vision turning black. The beat

eadlights blinded me. A car wa

. The final

yes, waiting

rd a shout. A figure, a blur of motion in the peri

etely was being lifted into strong arms and a familiar, desper

y a symphony of pain. Broken ribs, a concussion,

uit rumpled. He looked exhausted, and for a fleeting moment, I

his voice thick with relief.

ad found me just in time and dealt with my attackers. H

zzed on the nightstand, but for the first time in months, he ignored it. He gripped my hand,

y hand away, but

" I rasped, my voice weak. "I

y would she do that? She was with me the whole tim

, escaped my lips. "Of

o make him see the truth that was right in front of

s has to stop. I'll talk to Fabiola. We'll keep our distance

esting on the edge of my bed. He thought he was offering

space in my chest where my heart used to be

lway, Fabiola watched, her eyes narrowed, a plan a