and the rhythmic beeping of a machine. My rib

st brought Chloe home, my mother had pulled me aside. "Caleb, she's a beautiful woman," she ha

her recovery. I remembered her, frail and vulnerable in my family's guest room, thanking me w

bout her wanting to see him. It was because by saving her from the assassins her family sent, I h

. Davis walked in, his

at in the mountains," he announced, as if discussing th

, my voice a h

n's recovery," Davis said, avoiding my gaze. "She believes

me wanted to refuse, to scream at him to get out. But what

me out. "She begged me not to go." But I had insisted. I needed to see th

in a separate, older vehicle with the staff. "You're a guest, Caleb," she'd sa

and gasp for air, pointing a trembling finger in my direction whenever our cars w

ide, glaring back at me before order

otten I took you in? Have you forgotten you have a roof over your head because of me?" She poked the spot on my chest where a bullet,

and emotional pain. I couldn't tell

and Liam walked off hand-in-hand, laughing like they were on vacation. She ordered me t

tain air set in. My body screamed in protest, but my mind was

the sight of Mr. Davis standing over me,

w tha

l had given me. The box th

I scrambled to my feet, ignoring the pa

I demanded, my voice shaking wit