Page 68 of The Love Position

Isaac looked like he’d been dragged through the gates of hell and back. Blood streaked his skin, his hair was bedraggled, and his expression was one of utter torment.

‘Isaac,’ she murmured.

His face collapsed with relief. ‘Thank god.’ He stroked her hair. ‘I…’ He took a breath. ‘How are you doing?’

She looked past him. They were on the floor of the boat and she couldn’t see out.

‘Where are we going?’

‘To the hospital. We’re going straight to the marina on Tortula. Then we’ll take a taxi to the Peebles hospital. It should only take another half hour at this speed.’

‘But I don’t have my insurance details. Money.’

‘Shhh, it’s okay. I’ve got your passport and plenty of money. We’ll be alright.’

Isaac smiled reassuringly at her.

Tears flooded her eyes. ‘Everything hurts so much.’

‘I bet it does. You had a nasty fight with Shiva.’

Sophia tried to smile. ‘Did I win?’

‘Unfortunately not. He’s got four arms, so it wasn’t a fair fight.’

‘How did I get to the boat? I don’t think I can put any weight on my left knee.’

‘I carried you.’

‘But… I’m so heavy.’

‘You’re not. And anyway, I practise yoga every day and can lift far more than I weigh, which is considerably heavier than you.’

‘Thank you.’

‘Any time.’

Isaac swept away a trail of fresh blood from her forehead, then wiped his fingers on his t-shirt.

‘Am I still bleeding?’

He nodded. ‘I patched you up as best I could, but you need a professional to look at it. I didn’t see you fall, so I don’t know all the places you might have been injured. Can you remember how you did it?’

Sophia paused. ‘The bell was late, so we were all stressed and rushing to get into the temple on time. Miriam couldn’t see the register very well because it was so dark. Then…’

‘Yes?’

‘It was an accident.’

Isaac’s gaze was intent. ‘What was an accident?’

‘People were just trying to get in quickly. She didn’t mean it.’

‘Who didn’t mean what?’

‘It’s nothing, honestly. It’s my fault for being so clumsy.’

Fresh tears came to her eyes.

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