Page 126 of Cruel Love

There would be a hell of a lot more blood on my brow.

Chapter 37

Dani

My heart skips in my chest.

My god, how much I love this man.

Somehow, in the brief flash of the moment, I see it all. I picture exactly what marriage to Fox Fitzpatrick will look like. The two of us in an eternal embrace. The way it was meant to be... for the rest of our days.

The happy feeling lingers after we hang up. Just a little longer and we’ll be free. Just a little longer and he’ll be my husband.

Another knock taps the door and I wipe the tear from my cheek.

“Sorry, Caleb,” I say as I cross the room. “I’m coming.”

I open the door and pause at the unfamiliar face outside.

The woman startles at the sudden movement and lays a frail hand against her chest. She chuckles warmly, showing wrinkles around her eyes.

“Oh, good. Someone else is here...” she says.

I casually lean to obscure most of my face behind the door. “Can I help you?” I ask.

“I’m so sorry to bother you, but...” she turns and points to a powder blue car across the lot, “are you traveling with a first aid kit, by chance?”

“Uh...”

“My son, he...” she shakes her head disapprovingly, “he’s got a bit of a scratch and he just won’t stop picking at it. I could use a bandage, perhaps even some alcohol wipes if you’ve got some to spare.”

I hesitate before taking a step back. “I think there’s a kit in the bathroom. I can check.”

“I would appreciate it so much, dear.”

I smile and turn toward the bathroom. The woman lingers outside while I walk across the room.

“Beautiful weather you’ve got here,” she says, killing time.

“Yeah,” I say as I open the bathroom cabinets. There’s a small kit inside, white and plastic with a red cross sticker on the top. “First time in Las Vegas?”

“Oh, no,” she says. “My kids and I come a few times a year. Bit of a family tradition.”

“Sounds like fun.”

I nod and carry the kit out into the main room, pausing in place when I see that she’s let herself in. She stands by the bed, her curious eyes gazing around.

I pop the kit open, finding several small bandages but nothing else. I walk over slowly and hold out the kit to her. “Take all you need,” I say. “There’s not much, but...”

The woman sighs with gratitude as she slides a few bandages out. “Thank you so much. I know better, I just forgot to restock the kit we keep in the trunk...”

I wave a hand. “It’s no problem. You’re very welcome.”

She pauses and studies my face. “I’m sorry, are you that girl...?”

I look down, biting my cheek. “What girl?”

“I knew you looked familiar!” She grins. “You’re the girl from those Trial movies, aren’t you?”

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