Page 171 of Enthrall Shadows
I was digesting the painful truth. “Our situation is different.”
Standing up, I braced myself to return to the room where Penny and the subs were waiting. I’d have to put on a brave face.
A silken tie lay at the feet of the St. Andrew’s Cross. The one I’d misused.
Maybe, just maybe, seeing Reese again had influenced him more than I wanted to believe.
Richard pulled me into a hug. “Shay told me what happened in the Middle East. What Henry did to earn that medal.”
“What?” I said breathlessly.
Richard held my shoulders. “Henry refused to leave anyone behind. He led them to safety.” Pain flashed across Richard’s expression. “Henry went back for a civilian. Their interpreter.”
“That’s how he got captured?” I whispered. “He was trying to save someone else?”
“Yes. They killed the interpreter and kept him alive.”
“Because of his family name?”
“And his rank.” Richard’s eyes filled with sorrow. “Henry was willing to give his life. And in so many ways, he did.”
“I’d gotten through to him.” I’d reached him in his darkest hours. “I really believe that.”
“There’s no helping him, Lotte. He’s destined to suffer like this for the rest of his life.”
“Why?”
“Cameron says Henry has an aversion to love. I can’t see that changing.”
I put a hand over my heart, his words of futility cutting deep.
“Ifucked up.”
Not the best way to begin a conversation.
I’d downplay how crappy my day had gone and not drag Mia into the mire with me.
Everyone has a person who provides them with a safe harbor. For me, that person was Mia Cole. She had become one of my closest friends.
Standing at the entrance of her Beverly Hills manor, I waited for someone to answer.
This house was a stone’s throw from mine.
Mia opened the door. “Henry!” She gestured for me to come in. “How are you?”
“Fine,” I lied.
“Cameron’s not here.”
“That’s okay.”
No matter how many times I saw her, I’d be struck by her rare beauty, her elegance and her enduring kindness.
My brother was a lucky man. Mia was the best sister-in-law a guy could ask for. She looked cute wearing yoga pants and one of Cameron’s T-shirts.
“Where’s the toddler?” I asked, ready to sweep Raif up into my arms.
“Cameron took him to visit Aunt Rose.”
