Page 19 of Vengeful Union

LARA

I lookover at the man who has come into the bathroom, holding something out to me.

It’s just another sandwich, roast beef this time, but my mouth waters, and I shove it into my mouth quickly, uncaring that my hands are likely dirty.

I’m so hungry my stomach clenches in protest as it goes down my throat.

Rory sits down next to me and wets a piece of gauze with some type of solution, pressing it to my thigh.

I yelp and kick at him, but he grabs onto my ankle to stop me.

“I know it hurts.” There’s actual pity in his voice. “We have to disinfect it.”

Who the hellisthis guy?

“What are you, one of Murphy’s medics?”

He snorts. “I’m his son.”

No way.

“Why are you helping me?” My mouth is still full of the last of my sandwich.

My stomach has finally stopped revolting, and I feel less like I’m going to pass out.

He dabs a fresh piece of gauze on my eyebrow, and I wince at the sting.

“I’m not helping you. I’m fixing what someone else broke.”

“He didn’t break me.” My voice trembles. “And you won’t, either.”

He gives me a small smile.

In any other situation, I would find him handsome. Longish, dark hair swept back from his face. Soulful, blue eyes, strong jaw, clean-shaven.

“Don’t plan on it, honey.”

“Don’t call me honey.”

He nods. “Fair enough.”

“Why are you helping me?”

“I already told you. Just because you have information I need doesn’t mean you deserve to be hurt.” He looks at me seriously. “No one is going to hurt you here again. I promise you that.”

I almost believe him. He sounds so earnest.

I lick my lips, watching him. “Can I have another sandwich?”

“Of course.” He leaves the room, bringing it back to me.

This one’s ham, but I wouldn’t care if it was rat meat, I’m starving.

I eat this one slower, biting it in small pieces so that my stomach doesn’t churn.

I finish the sandwich, swallowing the last piece hard.

I needed his help, as much as I loath to admit it.

---