Page 41 of Corrupted Union

“Yes, the beach is right outside,” he confirmed with a hint of amusement. “We flew down earlier today. You were out cold, so you definitely wouldn’t remember.”

“Please tell me you didn’t stuff me in a suitcase.”

“It was that orWeekend at Bernie’sstyle flying with an unconscious woman in a wheelchair.” He smirked. “We have a jet, Rowan. You slept comfortably on a leather sofa the whole time.”

Hearing him say my name made me recall screaming at him back at his place, demanding he not call me Miss Alexander.

A new set of tears dripped from my lashes down to my shirt. His shirt.

He must have noticed because he stilled, then lifted my face to his, silently demanding an explanation.

“I’m so sorry … for all of this. For yelling at you. For breaking things, things that don’t even belong to you.” I gestured to the scraps of mirror still strewn about the floor. “For getting myself into trouble. For everything.” My voice had completely dried up by the time I finished my apology.

Keir swept my tears away with his thumb. “It’s nothing that can’t be fixed.” His gaze drifted to my hair, his fingers slowly weaving their way through the messy strands. “That’s why you dye your hair. And the makeup, too?”

I nodded. “You took it off.”

“I thought I was supposed to. Aren’t women supposed to take off their makeup before they go to bed?”

A small chuckle tickled my lungs. “Yeah, I just wasn’t expecting it. I only use a tiny mirror to put on my makeup, so I never see the whole picture. If I happen across a mirror during my day, the hair and makeup keep me from seeing her. When I walked in here, it was like she was standing there waiting for me. I sort of lost it.”

“I’m only going to say this once, then we’re going to grab some food in the kitchen and sit on the back porch. You need to talk to someone about all that. A professional.” His tone was kind but firm.

I didn’t argue with him. How could I? Clearly, I wasn’t coping as well as I’d thought. In fact, ever since Keir burst into my world, every single day had been further proof just how poorly I’d dealt with the loss of my sister.

“Bandage is secure, and we’re clear of the shards, so you should be safe to walk.”

I scooted off the counter and followed him to the bedroom. It was a beautiful space decorated in pale beige, blue, and white in honor of the magnificent landscape right outside the window. I hadn’t even noticed the shoreline through the sheer drapes when I’d first woken. I’d been too upset and disoriented.

“Bundle up. It’s warmer than back home but still cool.” He motioned to one of the suitcases that had been brought to my parents’ house. Hopefully, it wasn’t the one filled with dance gear and dildos.

Glad to see your sense of humor isn’t as dead as me.

My breath hitched.Hey, you.

No crying. You’ve done enough of that today. Get something warm on and go talk with that gorgeous hunk of a man.

I bit down on a smile and shook my head as I opened the bag and sorted through its contents.

“Something funny?” Keir had put on a long-sleeved Henley to go with the joggers he was already wearing.

“Uh, I feel like telling you will make you think I’m crazy, but considering you probably already think that, I suppose there’s no harm.” I slid a heavy hoodie over my head. “Ivy sort of lives in my head. I talk to her, and she talks to me.”

“You’re right. That’s pretty fucked up.”

I whipped my head around to gape at him, shocked he’d be so harsh, only to find him grinning the most delectable, playful smile I’d ever seen.

“Oh, that was just mean,” I said in a mock pout, tossing one of my shirts at him.

“Damn, my wife does like to throw things.”

All levity evaporated as our eyes locked. Wife. We were married. I wasn’t sure how legal it was, but I also wasn’t sure that mattered.

Keir cleared his throat. “Let’s eat. You’ll need some food in your system to clear out the drugs.”

* * *

Keir rummagedthrough the fridge and put together a selection of meats, cheeses, and fruits for lunch then joined me at the bar.

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