Page 43 of High Reward

He doesn’t look away from her. “I’m not leaving you.”

“I’m not asking.” Her gaze is unwavering. “You’re about to collapse. I need you to go downstairs, have an actual meal, and walk around for half an hour. Liliana and I are going to talk.”

“Angel mine, I don’t think…”

“Go,” she says again. There’s no anger in her voice, just a quiet, steel-edged command. “Now.”

He stares at her for a long moment, a battle of wills playing out in the space between them. Finally, he breaks, his shoulders slumping in defeat. He stands, grabbing his jacket from the back of the chair. As he walks past me toward the door, he leans in close, his voice a venomous whisper against my ear. “You upset her, and I will end you.”

Then he’s gone, the door clicking softly shut behind him.

The silence returns, but the tension has shifted. It’s no longer hostile. It’s just… uncertain. I take a hesitant step toward the bed.

“Trinity,” I start, my own voice sounding foreign. “I am so, so sorry.”

She gestures with a hand that isn’t attached to the IV. “It wasn’t your fault, Liliana. A monster tried to kill you. He missed.” She says it so matter-of-factly, as if discussing the weather. “Come, sit.”

I pull the visitor’s chair, still warm from Hunter, closer to the bed. I sit on the edge, my hands clenched in my lap.

“How are you feeling?” I ask, the question sounding hopelessly inadequate.

“Like I was shot,” she says, a faint, dry smile touching her lips. “But the doctors are optimistic. They say with a lot of physical therapy, I should regain some mobility. Walking might be… a new challenge at first.” She meets my eyes. “I’ve always liked a challenge.”

I’m struck by her strength. Given her circumstance, I expected tears or fragility. Instead, I find resolve. “You’re incredibly brave.”

“I’m incredibly lucky. And so are you.” Her gaze is searching. “How are you holding up?”

“I’m…” I search for the right word. “Managing.”

She nods, a flicker of understanding in her eyes. We sit in comfortable silence for a moment, listening to the machines that are keeping her stable.

“I heard you run the Brandt Foundation,” she says, changing the subject. “Your work with shelters for women is impressive.”

The shift surprises me. “Thank you. It’s the one part of my old life I’m proud of.”

“Good. You should be. When I’m out of here, we should talk. My foundation has been looking for a new domestic violence initiative to support.”

We talk about philanthropy then. About grants and fundraising and the politics of charity boards. It’s safe territory. It’s normal. For ten minutes, I almost forget why we’re both here. I forget the bullet, the threats, Phineas. We are simply two women finding common ground.

She shifts slightly in the bed, a wince of pain crossing her face. I instinctively lean forward.

“Are you alright? Should I call a nurse?”

She shakes her head, breathing through it. “It passes. Just muscles spasming.” She settles back against the pillows, her eyes finding mine again. “Men like ours,” she says quietly, her voicedropping. “Victor. Hunter. They love fiercely. Sometimes… too fiercely. It’s a heavy thing to carry, their protection.”

My breath catches. She understands. She sees it. The crushing weight of their care can be a lot to handle sometimes.

“Yes,” I whisper. “It is.”

“My best friend married a protective type as well. I would love for you to meet them while they are in town.”

A bright smile stretches across my face. “I would love to meet the woman who gets to be your best friend. She has to be quite impressive in her own right.”

Trinity laughs. “You have no idea. She’s about to have a baby, though, so Samuel is extra protective and possibly driving her crazy. Much like Hunter is driving me mad. If I didn’t love him so much, I might end up a widow for all his hovering.”

I chuckle. “I hear Samuel is who I have to thank for getting your husband to agree to this visit.”

She reaches out and takes my hand after a beat of silence. Her skin is cool, her grip surprisingly strong. “I’m glad you got away from him, Liliana. And I’m glad Victor found you.” Her eyes are sincere, a warmth spreading from them that settles deep in my chest.