Page 148 (1/2)

As if in answer to his silent question, the bedroo a tray of food Tantalizing scents floated through the roorumble in response

She moved toward him, and her dress alone told hie anymore Not that he needed such proof-the rooh

She earing a beautiful bronze dress that reflected all the red and brown highlights in her eyes Her hair was down, flowing in waves around her pale face She looked exquisitely, vibrantly alive

She s, Elliot"

He ignored the burning pain in his chest and struggled to sit up "Hello, Agnes"

She put the tray on the bedside table and sat down, scooting her chair in close to the bed "You ry"

He glanced at the food-fried potatoes and sausage, buttered biscuits with ja cup of coffee Coffee The forbidden brew s "I am"

As she prepared a plate for him, spread jam on his biscuits and salted his potatoes, he couldn't help staring at her She looked so young and beautiful and happy "Where are we?" he said at last

She flinched at the question Slowly she put down the salt shaker and turned to him "We are at Lethe House,

351

Elliot I did not know anyone else who could save your life"

"Ian saved me?"

She nodded "He is a great doctor" Elliot watched her Was she truly as innocent as she appeared right now? Did she not understand what this Ian had done, how he had ruined his own life by saving Elliot's? "Hehave we been here?" "Three days"

Three days And already she was blooain, already this place had made her happy He'd had twenty-two years to make her happy, and he'd failed Over and over and over, he'd failed And Ian did it in seconds He stared up at her "You should have let me die" He said the words softly

She leaned forward, pressed a warm hand to the healthy side of his face, the side that could feel the gentleness of her touch "You know me better than that, Elliot"