Page 87 of Vicious Seduction
But then the door opened, and there she was. Amelie.
My mouth opened, but nothing came out. I had to rub at my stupid eyes when tears obstructed my view of her. Her head tilted to the side as she peered at Oran over my shoulder, then back to me, this time studying me closely.
“Do I … know you?”
I nodded, a sob hitching in my lungs.
Oran put his arm around me. “Amelie, this is Lina, your sister. She’s been looking for you since you disappeared. And my name is Oran. You used to work in a bar called Moxy—a bar my family owns.”
She staggered backward a step, her trembling hands lifting to her mouth. “Lina?” she gasped, terrified eyes darting from me to Oran. The emotions flooding her eyes gutted me—so much fear and uncertainty—but the relief got me more than anything. She was desperately relieved to be found.
My sister’s face crumpled as she leaned against the wall and let the storm of emotions overcome her. I lunged forward but stopped short of hugging her, choosing to lay my hand on her shoulder instead so as not to frighten her. The urge to scoop her up and whisk her back home was maddening, but I didn’t want to overwhelm her. I wasn’t even sure she remembered me.
“It’s okay, Amelie. I’m here now. You’re going to be okay.”
She lifted her teary gaze to mine, bottom lip quivering. “Mellie. I’m Mellie,” she breathed.
She remembered. Oh thankGod. She remembered.
We fell into each other’s arms, a knotted mess of sobs and elation.
Oran ushered us the rest of the way inside and closed the door behind us. We barely took notice, crying and holding one another for long moments.
Once we were able to breathe again, I pulled back just enough to see her beautiful face and wiped at her tears. “I missed you so much. I’m so incredibly sorry.”
“What happened to me, Lina? These past six weeks since I woke up at the hospital have been so terrifying. How did I end up there?”
“I can’t even imagine what that was like for you. I’m just so sorry.”
“You don’t have to keep apologizing. It wasn’t your fault.” That was my sweet Mellie. She didn’t know what had happened, but she’d never voluntarily believe I was to blame.
“The story is complicated, more than I want to unload right this minute, but I’ll tell you everything soon enough,” I offered reassuringly, then paused, biting my lower lip. “What all do you remember?”
A shadow darkened her features, and her gaze dropped to her hands. “I think I remember most everything except for how I ended up in the hospital. I remember coming to you for help and us getting our apartment.” She brought her eyes back to mine. “I remember working at Moxy and planning to see you for Friday dinner … and then … everything just goes … dark. Was it Mom?” she asked in a terrified whisper. “Did she find me?”
“No, Mellie.” I shook my head and gave her a quick hug. “It wasn’t them. It was a crazy coincidence, but everything’sworked out just fine.” I smiled warmly. “You’re alive and well, and we’re together again. That’s all that matters.”
She peered over my shoulder to the small apartment behind me. “I suppose I can let Lawrence know that I’m going home. I want to thank him for everything he did. I don’t know where I would have gone if he hadn’t helped me.”
My eyes cut to Oran’s. We would have to explain things to her, but not yet. Today was all about happy reunions. Reality could wait.
When Amelie turned back to us, her gaze snagged on Oran. “Lina, why is Mr. Byrne here? Did he help you track me down?” She looked so adorably confused that a fit of laughter overtook me. I could only imagine how strange it was to have one of her bosses show up at my side.
“Things have been a bit crazy since you disappeared. Oran and I sort of … got together. And now…” I held up my hand to show her the ring.
Her eyes bulged. “You’re engaged … to myboss?”
“I wasn’t technically your boss.” Oran smirked.
“You’re one of the owners, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Kay, then. You’re my boss. Or … you were. I suppose I lost my job when I never showed up.” She grimaced.
“No need to worry, kiddo,” Oran offered softly. “Having a job isn’t an issue anymore.”
Mellie looked back at me. I just smiled.