“Sure, no problem. The doctor should be here soon.”
“I know. I’m letting this guy have his feed and then I’m going to get some food ready for Lydia. Did you guys eat?” Donna asked.
“We were kidnapped. What do you think?” He snapped at her, angry that she’d ask such a stupid question.#p#分页标题#e#
“Henry, a word,” Caleb said, drawing him toward the entrance of the kitchen.
Fuck.
He followed his friend. “I’m sorry.”
“I don’t tell Donna everything that goes on. She knows you were taken, but you don’t need to take out your anger on her. This is not her fault, far from it. I’m the one to blame.”
“I’m sorry.” Henry repeated his apology. “I’m hungry, tired, and fucked off.”
“Sorry, Donna. It has been a long night. I shouldn’t have snapped at you like that,” Henry said, apologizing.
“It’s okay. I can’t imagine what you’re going through.” She was rubbing Luke’s back as she spoke.
“I’m going to set up some food for Lydia and I’ll get out of your way.” He pulled out several different meats and cheese from the fridge. Arranging two plates of food, he poured coffee into cups, and asked where Lydia was sleeping.
“I put her in the room next to mine and Caleb’s. You’re next door to her.”
He didn’t stay around to talk.
Elijah was nowhere to be seen, but Henry wasn’t interested in work. He needed to see Lydia before he completely lost his shit. The doctor still hadn’t arrived. Knocking on the door, he waited for Lydia to answer the door.
Seconds passed before she opened the door. She wore a thick white robe with a towel wrapped around her head.
“Hey,” he said, not knowing what to say. He truly was used to women paid to be in his company. Those women didn’t need kind words or understanding, just money.
“Is that for me?” She stared at the plate, licking her lips.
“It certainly is.” He held it up. “Can I join you? I’m not really good company for anyone else.”
“Sure.” She stepped back letting him inside her room. The scent of lavender was heavy in the room. He was becoming addicted to the smell.
Lydia took gentle steps to the bed and climbed on the covers. He waited for her to be settled before placing the tray on her legs. Sitting in front of her, he rested the tray on his knee.
“You’re still dirty,” she said.
“I’ve not had time to shower. I needed to get up to speed with what Caleb had to agree to.”
“Will you be going into business with them?” He saw her shudder.
“No, we won’t be going into business with them. I made you a promise, Lydia, and I’m going to stick with it.”
She stared at him. Her dark brown gaze focused on him. “Good.” He barely caught what she said as she whispered it.
Nodding, he took a sip of his coffee, watching her eat the meat and fruit. She didn’t pull any faces of disgust at what he’d given to her.
“I’m going to sleep here tonight, and then I’m going to head home,” she said.
Picking up a piece of boiled ham he started to eat the meat. “You can’t go back home, Lydia.”
“What do you mean? You had an agreement with them. They wouldn’t be coming after me, would they?” The fear flashed on her face.
“They believe you’re my whore. I didn’t know what was going on, but if they thought you meant anything to me they would have used you against me.”
“I don’t mean anything to you.”
“This was where I struggled with the decision. If they believed you didn’t mean anything they might have taken you regardless. I was trying to save you. I can’t have your death on my conscience.” He had blood on his hands, the blood of men who deserved it. Lydia was different, and he’d known it the first time he spotted her in the jewelry store. Caleb had been talking with the blonde, and Henry had not been able to look away from Lydia. He tried to stay away. Then when Caleb gave him the order to get rid of Darren, he’d found himself in her life once again. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her, yet it seemed all he was good for was hurting her.#p#分页标题#e#
“I know what you were trying to do. It’s hard to believe, but I did understand. A lot of men keep calling me a whore. It’s getting a little tiring.” She rubbed at her temple, wincing as she jolted her body.
“Are you hurt?” He put his plate on the bed beside him. Henry took her plate from her and tugged her to her feet. “Don’t try to lie to me. I want the truth.”