Page 56 of Nowhere to Hide
“I live here, I want to be able to crash out for a nap in multiple places.”
Cilla’s face was a little pale and a fine sheen of sweat gathered on her forehead. She wiped it away with a shaky hand. “What kind of boat is this? I was expecting...something else.”
“Houseboat?”
“To be honest, I really didn’t know. I’ve only seen sailboats in the distance.” Her gaze kept darting to the dock before focusing back on me.
“It’s a catamaran. The double hulls let me have more storage as well as living space.”
“It’s beautiful.” Her eyes were so big and dark, but the circles underneath them made her look so damn fragile.
“Be ready in thirty to leave.” I gathered her bags, tucking them into the main cabin, out of the way.
When I looked back, her head was on a swivel. Her dark eyes terrified, brimming with pain.
I softened my tone. “I’d prefer to be away from the docks before dark.”
She nodded. “Can I help?”
“No, I can tell you’re in pain.” I dug out the bag with her meds and set it beside her. “Make sure you take the pain meds until you get used to the natural rocking of the boat. You’ll stiffen automatically as you fight the sway.”
She nodded and took out one of the bottles with shaking fingers.
Fuck.
We were back at the scene of the damn crime. I was a thoughtless piece of shit, leaving her alone.
I grabbed a bottle of water from the mini-fridge then crouched in front of her. “Hey, you’re safe with me.”
She slipped the white pills between her lips and swallowed with an almost imperceptible nod.
I cupped her right knee and squeezed. “Once I know you’re good on the water, I’ll take us away from here in a few days, okay?”
She nodded jerkily.
I stood and grabbed the rest of her stuff.
I didn’t even think to change the location of my boat. I was a real piece of work.
Was I really the guy to do this?
I was a headcase on my own.
Stop feeling sorry for yourself. You’re all she’s got right now.
Then she was screwed.
CHAPTER 12
CILLA
My finger tappedagainst my leg as my gaze darted around the ship.
The space was surprisingly large and the spot he’d stashed me was comfortable even if my leg felt like it was filleted open.
Well, it kind of was.
And then I was back to looking out on the dock.
