Page 95 of Thor

"No. We're trying to reach you because there's been a payment made to your sister's account."

The statement didn't make sense. My brain, foggy from crying and stress, couldn't process the words.

"A payment? The co-pay isn't due until next week."

Linda's voice softened even further. "No, Ms. Wright. Someone has paid the entire balance—every outstanding charge. And they've established an account for all future treatments as well. Your sister's medical care is completely covered."

I sat up straight, certain I'd misheard. "What?"

"All of Amy's medical expenses have been paid in full," Linda repeated carefully. "Past, present, and future treatment costs are now covered by a special fund that's been established in her name."

"That's not possible," I whispered. "The balance is—" I couldn't even say it aloud. The last time I'd checked, Amy's outstanding medical bills totaled over two hundred thousand dollars. Future treatments would cost nearly the same. "There must be some mistake."

"There's no mistake, Ms. Wright. The payment was processed this morning. I have all the confirmation numbers right in front of me."

I pressed a hand to my mouth, trying to process this information. "I don't understand. Who would do that? Was it the hospital? Some kind of charity program?"

"No, it was a private donation. Made specifically for Amy Wright's care."

My mind raced, trying to make sense of it. Amy had friends, but none with those kinds of resources. And my friends . . . well, most of them worked at Prestige and had disappeared when the scandal broke.

"Who?" I asked, my voice barely audible. "Who made the payment?"

There was a pause, the sound of papers shuffling.

"The benefactor requested anonymity officially," Linda said, "but they left a message they asked us to pass along to you."

My heart pounded so hard I could feel it in my fingertips. "What message?"

Another brief pause, more paper shuffling. "It's brief. It says: 'I'm sorry, and I love you. Thor.'"

The world tilted beneath me.

Thor.

He'd paid Amy's medical bills. All of them. And secured her future care.

"Ms. Wright? Are you still there?"

I realized I'd been silent for too long. "Yes," I managed. "I'm here. Thank you for letting me know."

"Would you like me to send you the documentation for the account?" Linda asked. "There's some paperwork you'll need to sign as Amy's medical proxy, but it's mostly formalities."

"Yes, please," I said automatically, still reeling. "You can email it to me."

We wrapped up the call with details I barely registered. After ending it, I sat staring blankly out the windshield at the crumbling strip mall, the gravity of Thor's act settling over me like a physical weight.

Thor must have used all his own money to cover that sum. The extent of the sacrifice was staggering. And for what? For me? For Amy? For a woman who had lied to him by omission and then run away when confronted?

Fresh tears began to flow, but these were different—quiet, cleansing tears that washed away the bitterness and despair of the past week.

He loved me. Despite everything, he loved me.

And I had run from him. I had ignored his calls and texts. I had hidden at my sister's apartment, assuming the worst of him when he had just performed an act of generosity so profound it took my breath away.

What kind of person did something like that? What kind of man?

Not the dangerous biker I'd first met, all intimidation and fierce protectiveness. Not the gentle giant who'd cradled me when I slipped into my Little space. Something more. Something I didn't fully understand yet.

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