Page 71 of Deceptive Lies

That was the first thing that struck Willow as her groggy mind swum through the thick, foggy swamp it was stuck in and back toward consciousness.

Other than one side of her body which was toasty warm, the rest of her was cool almost to the point of being too cold.

Blinking open confused eyes, it took her a moment to realize that she was no longer surrounded by endless blue sky and sand in every direction. Instead, there were walls painted a light gray, with darker gray curtains covering the windows. It was hard to tell what time it was because she couldn’t see the sky, but whenever it was and wherever she was it was a whole heck of a lot nicer than the desert had been.

Shifting slowly, Willow was pleased to see that her pain had dulled until it was more of a nuisance than anything else, and for the first time in what felt like forever she wasn't dying for a sip of water.

Where was she?

As she turned her head, she saw Cooper’s big body laid out beside her, fast asleep. He must be the source of the warmth, and she smiled as she looked at him. Peaceful for the first time since she’d met him. The gash on his head had been stitched and his face was clean, she felt clean, too, and it finally sank in that they’d been rescued.

They’d gotten their miracle.

Tears stung her eyes, and as much she wanted to wake Cooper and celebrate, he needed the rest. If he felt safe enough to go to sleep in a bed beside her then wherever they were was a secure location.

It wasn't until she realized she needed to pee that she heard hushed voices.

Panic immediately followed.

Voices meant people.

People could mean danger.

Heart racing and pulse thundering in her ears, Willow tried toreassure herself that there was no way Cooper would go to sleep if they weren't safe.

It didn't work.

Carefully, she lifted her head, wincing at the pain between her temples, even dulled it was enough to almost tear a groan from her lips. Somehow, she managed to keep it in and scanned the dim room.

There.

On the opposite side from the bed.

Men.

Five of them.

Big, scary-looking men.

They were sitting around a table and didn't appear to realize she was awake.

Did she need a weapon? Chances were there were none around and she could hardly drag Cooper out of there with her. Heck, she could barely hold her head up, she was in no condition to either run or fight.

As though sensing her growing distress, one of the men looked over at her, and her heart felt like it beat its way right out of her chest.

The man.

He looked exactly like … Cooper.

Brow furrowing in confusion, she looked beside her, but Cooper was still there, fast asleep.

There was no way he could be in two places at the same time.

Had her mind finally snapped?

Was this just all some pre-death delusion?

Rising slowly, the man held up his hands, palms out, and cautiously made his way toward the bed where she lay. Behind him the other four men also turned in her direction, and Willow whimpered and pressed herself into the pillows.

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