Page 55 of Dark Obsession

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Two days came and wentwith Keira showing no signs of waking up.Daniel withdrew more every day and refused to leave at all.Vicki and Conner came several times, bringing food and clothing for Daniel.On the fourth day, Conner tried once again to get Daniel to leave for a bit.

Daniel raised his bloodshot eyes.“Conner, I know you mean well, but I’m not leaving her.”

“Jesus, man.Have you looked in the mirror lately?You’re going to scare the hell out of her.You’ve taken one quick shower in her bathroom, but you haven’t shaved, and your complexion is so pale you look ready to pass out.Have you lain down at all and slept?”

“I’ve slept.”

“You can’t get any decent rest sitting up in a chair with your head on her mattress.You’re going to implode, man, if you don’t take care of yourself.”

“I will when she wakes up.I just don’t want her to be alone.”

“Listen.Why don’t you pull the cot they brought in for you right next to her bed?You’ll be able to hear any movement or sound that close.”

“I’ll think about it.”

“When does her sister get back?”

“Tomorrow.”

“Have you talked to her at all?”Conner asked.

“Yeah.I called her after they moved her to this room.Logan and Layla were going to book the first flight back, but because of the weather in Europe, it was delayed a day.”

“Layla must be going crazy.”

Daniel nodded.“I know I would be if I were her.”

“What have you told her?”

“Just that she was attacked and in the hospital.I told her she had some cuts and a concussion and hadn’t woken up yet.Every day she calls, I have to tell her she still isn’t awake and then listen to her sob.”Daniel raised Keira’s hand and pressed a gentle kiss to her bandaged palm.

“I’m going to head out.Can I get you anything before I go?”

“No.A nurse brought me a sandwich and juice earlier.Oh, wait.I would like you to go to my place for more clean clothes and my shaving kit.”He rubbed his hand over his chin.“I think I’ll take your advice and shave and shower.I can do that here, so I won’t be far from her.”

“You got it, man.I’ll see you later.”

Later that afternoon, Daniel was startled awake, his hand running through his disheveled hair as his head lay on the bed beside her hip.He stood and stared down at Keira, who lay with her eyes slightly open and a confused look on her face.“Oh, my God, Keira.Thank you, God.”He leaned over the bed and placed a soft kiss on her forehead, choking back the sob lodged in his throat.

“Daniel ...where am I?”

“You’re in the hospital.”

“Why?”

“You don’t remember?”

She started to shake her head but gasped, telling him her head still hurt.Her hand flew to her head, but when she caught sight of the bandages on her hand, she froze.

“What happened, Daniel?”

Daniel reached over her and pushed the “call” button.

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