Page 48 of Burned

Colin scowled. “She won’t even give me a chance. For such a beautiful woman, she’s a bit of a bitch. I mean, she seems friendly enough to the rest of my employees, but I notice how she’s a bit cooler around the men than she is toward the women. I thought she might be a lesbian at first, but I don’t think so. I figure she’s just one of those man-hating, ball busting bitches.”

“Yeah, so why do you keep pursuing her?”

“You know me, I love a challenge. Besides, she’s got an ass like you wouldn’t believe. I think she just needs a little taming. I’ve got something in mind for her.”

Rhys groaned. “I’ve already messed things up with Sadie on a grand scale, don’t put me further in the doghouse than I already am.”

“This has nothing to do with your Sadie.”

“Like hell it doesn’t. She and her sisters are extremely close. If you hurt Lily, I’ll have even less than the minuscule chance I already have of winning her back.”

“Well, I certainly can’t hurt Lily if she doesn’t have a heart to break.”

“It’s not that simple. Sadie never opened up too much about it but there’s a strain in the relationship between her and her mother. And from my understanding, her sisters have nothing to do with their mother at all, Lily included. Maybe she is the way she is because of something deeper. All I’m saying is tread lightly, okay?”

“Fine, but this battle of wills between her and I—I intend to win.”

Rhys sighed, knowing there was no talking his brother out of something when he set his mind to it.”

“So what was this thing you had in mind for her, or dare I ask?”

“Oh, just that she’ll be traveling abroad with me. She doesn’t know it yet, but if she wants the promotion I’ve been dangling over her head she’ll take it.”

“Colin, I know you’ve been doing most of your business in Europe these last several years, but in the States, they have things called sexual harassment laws.”

“I won’t be doing anything she doesn’t want us to do. Trust me, I’ll keep it strictly professional. By the way, have you had a chance to talk to mom?”

“Yes. She wanted to take the next flight out of Wales to come over, but I convinced her to stay put until Carys is in a better state of mind—until I’m in a better state of mind. I really have to see to her needs before anything else. And then there’s Sadie. I’ve got to talk to her, apologize and let her know that I want to work things out although she won’t return my calls. She’ll have to see me eventually, after all, she’s carrying my child and she won’t be rid of me so easily.”

“Things will work out for the two of you, I’m sure of it. Sadie is a good sort. She seems to be the type to have a forgiving heart.”

“But everyone has limits, and I may have finally pushed her to hers.”

Rhys didn’t know what his brother would have said before the doctor showed up.

“Mr. Edwards, I’m Dr. Prakash. You were dealing with Dr. Turner last night, but I’ll be the one handling your daughter’s care for the remainder of her stay here.” The doctor didn’t look much other than Carys, but she seemed competent.

Rhys stood up to take the hand she offered. “How is she?”

“She’s doing well. But she’ll need to remain in the hospital for seventy-two hours for a psychological evaluation by state law, due to her attempted suicide.”

“And then can she come home?”

“If the resident psychiatrist clears her she can. She’s awake now if you’d like to see her.”

“I would. Is she asking for me?”

“She hasn’t said much beyond answering the questions we’ve asked her. I think it would lift her spirits to see you.”

“Thank you, Doctor.” Rhys turned to his brother. “Could you stay out here, Colin? I think I need to see Carys alone. I’ll come out for you later.”

“Sure thing. I’ll be here for as long as you need me to.”

“Thank you. And if I haven’t already said it, I really appreciate you being here for me.”

“What is family for?”

Rhys offered him a smile before following Dr. Prakash down the corridor. When he entered his daughter’s room the doctor gave him a silent nod of understanding before leaving him alone. He slowly approached the bed. Carys’s head was turned toward the window. She looked so pale. So sad. He wanted to take her in his arms and hold on tight but he wasn’t sure if she’d want him to.

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