Page 19 of Promised Love

“F-four years.”

After a pause, he asks softly, “Did you know?”

“No.” I shake my head and bite my lip.

I’m confused and even hurt that Lukas didn’t share this big change in his life. Since the day we had to get married, we’ve exchanged several emails and letters, and I do consider him a good friend. I thought he felt the same way about me.

“We’ll see you soon, sweetheart. You take care of yourself.”

The call ends, and once again, I feel alone, even though there’s been a continuous flow of men in boots and leather jackets or suits coming in and out of the waiting room. But they’re all strangers to me. It suddenly becomes clearer that, for some reason, Lukas made sure I had no idea about this part of his life.

5

LUKAS

The next time I wake up, it’s to the soft voice of a nurse coming from someplace far away. “Mr. Spencer, how are you feeling?”

“I’m…okay.” I groan. “Merida. The girl…who was with me.”

“Everyone’s safe, Mr. Spencer. You just relax.” She speaks carefully.

“What happened to me?”

“You were hit by two bullets, sir.”

As she goes on explaining what happened the previous day, I inspect the damage. I can move my right hand completely. I can raise my legs but stop halfway as I assess the bandage draped around my upper body.

I try to lift again, but the nurse halts my movements.

“You were very lucky, Mr. Spencer, but let’s not overdo anything. You’ve undergone surgery to remove the bullets, and you’re still in recovery. Please don’t stress yourself. If you’re up for it, I can send in some of your family.”

I nod, not sure which family she means. My mind wanders to the Teagers, who consider me their fourth brother. The guys at Kings Security, who have known me for years. Or…the one person who’s officially and legally bound to me.

The door to the room opens. A ray of hope flickers before I hear the squealing sounds of Connor King’s wheelchair above the beeping noise of the hospital machines.

“So, the daredevil can get hurt?” The light words barely hide the tightness behind his voice.

“I’m sure you know by now who did this.” My voice comes out in a groan, softer and lower than I expected.

“I sure do,” he all but growls. Before I can ask him more, he adds, “That’s not for you to worry about right now. We’ll handle it, and that fucker will be put behind bars.”

As I remember the incident, a jolt of pain shoots through me, as if the bullet once again pierced my rib cage.

“Lukas, calm down.” Connor puts his hand on my arm, and the nurse rushes closer.

“I think Mr. Spencer should rest now, Mr. King.”

He nods but leans forward. “There’s someone outside. She claims…she’s related to you. Her name is Autumn.”

My consciousness begins to slip away once more, and Connor’s face fades, but I grab his hand. “Sh-she’s…my…mi-mine.”

There’s the faint sound of rolling tires as Connor leaves the room, but…I tune everything out except my thoughts.

My mind drifts to the first time I heard from her. It was six years ago.

* * *

Six years ago