Page 27 of Through the Water

“Look, I came over here for a reason,” he admitted softly as if trying to recall what exactly that was. “Can we start over and you forget everything I said? Hi, my name is Killian.”

Killian.

I stared at his extended hand and clenched my jaw before forcing my eyes up to meet his inquisitive stare. The corner of his mouth turned up when I made no attempt to take his hand. Meanwhile, I was busy dispassionately labeling his facial features to keep my resolve from slipping.

There was a slight bend in the bridge of his nose, probably from a break that hadn’t been set correctly. Unlike his left ear, the top of the right one curved ever so slightly away from the side of his head. And, even with the heavy stubble, it was obvious he had a cleft chin. I was nothing more than an impartial observer, completely unaffected by the beautiful man in front of her.

Seconds passed, and he slowly lowered his hand back to the table with a forced laugh. “Christ, is this because of the autograph? Look, you caught me at a bad time, but that’s actually what—”

I don’t even know you, I mouthed, surprised by the low growl that accompanied my words. I looked past Killian to Tiffani before realizing the sound had come from me.

“Yeah, well, you sure could have fooled me. It seems like I’m intruding on your lunch, so I’ll leave you ladies in peace.” The rubber tip of his crutches gave a slight squeak against the tile as he stood, but this time, I didn’t bother looking up. I needed a minute to fully appreciate what had just occurred.

I’d done it.

Tiffani’s expression remained blank, which surprised me. I might have welcomed her sudden vow of silence a half-hour ago, but now it felt strange. If anyone should have had something to say right now, it was her.

Well?I mouthed, slightly disappointed when there was no sound.

Baby steps.

She released an unsteady breath and leaned back in her chair. “I can’t believe that just happened. Like, I’m literally speechless right now.”

I nodded in agreement—although technically, I’d been speechless for about a month now.

“Ariana, do you realize what this means?”

I can make sounds? I asked, the side of my mouth lifting in amusement.

“He knew what you were saying,” Tiffani said, bringing her eyes back to mine. “Fynn can’t even understand you, but Killian did! Twice!”

I stared at her, certain I was gaping.

Had she been at the same table I had? I’d growled—not loudly, but obviously, the next step was speaking. What did Killian have to do with any of it? Not only was the man a jerk, but a conceited one at that.

An autograph?

Please.

Tiffani pushed her chair back from the table, laughing softly to herself. “I think we’ve had enough fun for one afternoon. Let’s get back to your room for a little rest.”

I agreed, still stewing over the man’s odd behavior. Who did he think he was—the president? I’d simply needed help. Help that he’d refused to give. No wonder his physical therapist looked haggard—Killian was probably convinced the poor guy was in love with him.

What a lunatic…

“Watch out, this one would just as soon run you over as look at you.”

I tensed and squared my shoulders, my breaths quickening at the sound of his voice. Saliva flooded my mouth, leaving me wishing—not for the first time—for the power of invisibility.

And there it was, folks.

Blink. Blink.

Devastatingly handsome—the absolute worst kind of handsome a man could be.

It wasn’t as if Killian was the first man to taunt me—heck, he wasn’t even the tenth. I’d learned it was best to just keep my head down, letting the ugly words roll off me like water on a duck’s back. But something in his tone had me clenching my fists and jerking my chin up in defiance, daring him to continue.

Maybe I would run him over with my wheelchair.

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