Page 122 of Wreckage

He just sighed and nodded.

“What do you want, sweetheart?”

I looked at him, swallowing back the emotion clogging my throat.

“I want to go home,” I whispered.

Not just anywhere.

Not a hotel nearby.

Not a house full of memories.

I wanted as much distance between me and that mountain as humanly possible.

Steve studied me for a long moment.

Then, finally, he nodded.

“I’ll set it up.”

Steve rented a motorhome,knowing I wouldn’t step foot on a plane again.

He had arranged for two drivers to switch out as needed and a nurse to travel with me.

I wouldn’t be alone.

But I wouldn’t be with them, either.

When I was finally dressed in the clothes Steve had brought, I was wheeled to the back exit, away from the reporters swarming the hospital and the cameras flashing in the night.

Away from everything.

Steve hugged me tightly, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead.

“I packed everything you’ll need in the RV,” he murmured. “Thenurse is named Amy. The drivers are Ryan and Jake. They’ll take care of you, OK?”

I nodded, my eyes burning.

“Troy and Adrian are going to stay with me for a while,” he added. “They… they’ll want to know where you are.”

I squeezed my eyes shut, inhaling shakily.

“Just tell them I need time,” I whispered.

Steve’s grip on me tightened.

“I love you, kid,” he murmured. “And they do, too.”

I forced a smile, even though it hurt.

“I love you, too, Steve.”

"I know you didn't want it, but I got you a car for when you get home." He pressed a set of keys into my hand. "I had it delivered to the parking garage this morning. It'll be waiting for you. I think it'll be a good bit of freedom for you."

"Steve..." I swallowed hard. "You didn't have to."

"I know I didn't. I wanted to. You be good, OK? You call me for anything. Understand?"

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