He Healed Her Broken, Brilliant Heart

die

the hot water a temporary comfort, and stepped out of my room. The smell of coff

hin rested on my shoulder. "Morning, sleepyhead," Barrett murm

w repulsive. It felt like a spider crawling on my skin. I fought the urge to

neck, his lips warm against my skin. "I'm sorry about yesterday," he said

and kiss him, telling him it was okay. I just stood there, a statue in h

is grip loosen sl

was m

xpression was neutral, my eyes holding his. "What's more important,

ion, by my lack of emotion. The Barrett I knew would have

little too smooth. He reached for me again, a look of placa

n his eyes, the subtle tension in his jaw. He was a masterful liar, b

re desperate. "Please don't be mad at me," he whispered

And it was workin

d, my voice muffled

hysical need. It was a step down from the emotional

e thought he'd been given a reprieve. He thought I was lettin

o toast with a perfectly poached egg, a side of fresh ber

ll I could think of was the text I'd seen on his phone. The one

eftovers. I was the stand-in, the substitute, even for his apologetic brea

ng me with that earnest, focu

sted like cardboard in my

g the plate closer. "You nee

after you've rested up, I think we should go for a full physical. Just to be

fect match for Dallas. We checked. The conversation from the cigar lounge echoed in my head

y," I said, pushing my plate a

soft but with an unyielding e

on. The velvet glove over the iron fist

said, my v

Shopping spree! Now! My treat! You need a brea

ect excuse. "Okay," I said, a plan forming in

st chance to pretend everything was normal

t. He'd pulled strings to get the results expedited

lungs, liver... and two excellent kidneys." He smiled, a triumphant, propriet

ed, my stom

oice carefully casual. "I've been thinking. Maybe this bio-printing research is a

e, froze. "What? Why?" His voice was sharp

ng his face. "And... I'm tired of hiding. When are we goin

ating look. "Elodie, we've talked about this. My family... they wouldn't

h. He took my hand, his grip tight

ic. A way to keep his little scientist in her cage unt

iced. "Okay," I said, offering him a small, placating

naged me, his brilliant but pliable little

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