Total pages in book: 80
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76782 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
“Autumn, love,” he greeted me. “Bonnie called and told me. Jesus, lass, what do you need?”
“Nothing,” I whispered, barely holding on to my emotions. “I have to go.”
“I know. Christ, I should be there. I should be with you. What time is your flight?”
“A few hours.”
He cursed. “I don’t know if I can get there, but I’ll try.”
“No. I have to go be there for her. You need to be here. This is where you belong.”
“I belong where you are. You need me. I’ll follow as soon as I can.”
“No,” I replied, looking out the window.
“No?” he repeated. “What are you saying?”
“I need to go handle this. Concentrate on her. I—I can’t do that if you’re there.”
He swore again. “You’re frightening me.”
I cleared my throat. “I don’t mean to, but I have to do this, Sully. Try to understand.”
He was quiet as the car pulled up to the building. I glanced up at the windows where his flat was situated. “I have to go get my passport and some clothes now. I need to hang up.”
His voice was rough with emotion. “Text me when you land.”
“Okay. I’ll leave my keys on the table.”
“No,” he almost snarled. “You take them with you. You’ll need them when you get back.”
And he hung up.
I frowned at the woman behind the counter. “I’m sorry?”
“You’re in first class. We understand you are traveling for a family emergency, so you will have priority for disembarking. And we have an escort to take you to the gate right now.”
I blinked. Bonnie had booked me first class? I hadn’t expected that.
“Just the two suitcases?” she asked.
I glanced down. When I’d run upstairs, I’d remembered I hadn’t unpacked the night before. I had pulled a dress out this morning for work, so I threw in my toiletries and the few items I had sitting on the shelves in Sully’s closet. I didn’t have time to sort through everything, and it was easier. I was back in the car in ten minutes, and we were on our way.
“Yes.”
I was escorted to one of the little carts, and moments later, I was at the gate. They offered to take me to the first-class lounge, but I wasn’t interested. I spent my time checking on Lynn, but there was no new information. I booked a hotel close to the hospital where I could drop off my bags when I arrived. I texted Bonnie, thanking her for the upgrade, but her reply was fast.
Not me. I imagine Sully had it handled.
I stared at the words. Of course it would be Sully. Still taking care of me, even from a distance. Even when I told him to stay away.
Once on the flight, I forced myself to close my eyes. I was going to need some sleep, especially not knowing what waited for me on the other end. The hours seemed endless as I dozed fitfully, waking up startled at some noise from a fellow passenger or a flight attendant. I drank some coffee and managed to swallow a light snack but refused the constant offers of liquor or any other meal. I felt as if the first-class amenities were wasted on me, other than the comfortable seat and the privacy the pods offered.
I was through customs fast and got my luggage without a problem. I was swaying on my feet by the time I came out of baggage claim, heading toward the taxi area, when I heard my name being called. I turned and met the eyes of a tall, dark-haired man who instantly reminded me of Sully. Beside him was a woman. Small, with fine honey-colored hair, she smiled at me, her expression gentle.
“Autumn,” she said. “I am Anna. And this is Niall. Sully’s cousin.”
“Um, hello.”
“We’re here to take you to the hospital. Your bags will go straight to the hotel, and when you’re ready, the driver will pick you up and bring you there.”
“I’m sorry?”
Niall stepped forward. “Sully explained what happened. Your aunt has been placed under the best medical care we could find. We will take you to her. You will stay at O’Reilly’s, and a car and driver will be at your service.”
“I—I booked at the Staybridge Suites,” I stuttered.
Niall shook his head, taking my baggage cart. “No. Unacceptable. I will cancel on your behalf. Sully asked us to look after you, and I never break a promise. You will be far more comfortable with us. And safer.”
Anna hooked her arm through mine. “You are no doubt exhausted and upset. We’ll take you to your aunt right away.”
Niall looked over his shoulder. “The last report we had, she was still in a coma but holding steady. They are operating on her hip as soon as they feel it is safe medically.”
I blinked. They knew my aunt’s condition?
“How? Why?” was all I managed to say.