Page 63 of Dark Obsession

Conner’s stomach sank at the look on her face.“You don’t remember me, do you?”

Startled eyes turned to Keira.“No, I’m sorry.”

Daniel stood and ran his hand down her hair before he cupped her shoulder.“It’s all right, Keira.Remember what Dr.Paulson told us.You’ll remember in time.”

Keira tugged at Daniel’s arm, pulling him down so she could talk in his ear.“But is there a reason I should be upset with him?”she whispered.

Daniel’s eyes shot to Conner’s to see his friend had heard her, and a look of guilt and deep sadness crossed his face.“I’m not sure.We’ll talk about this later.Layla, would you please grab the robe from the closet?I think now would be a good time to take a short walk.”

“Now?”

Daniel heard the fear in her voice.He pulled her up to sit on the bed with her legs dangling down before he cupped her face and raised it.“Keira, trust me.Do you really think I’d let you fall?”

Keira smiled and took a shaky breath.“You’re right.I’m sorry.”

“You have absolutely no reason to be sorry,” Daniel said before placing a soft kiss on her lips.

It took several minutes to get her into a robe and stand by the side of the bed before she took her first step.Daniel was on one side of her, and her sister on the other, both supporting her, ready to catch her.Conner pushed the IV holder behind her, being careful not to trip her or get anything tangled.

Keira’s head was bent, watching and concentrating on her legs and every step she took by herself.She didn’t seem to notice that Logan was in front of her and Conner was behind.If she hadn’t been concentrating so much, she would have noticed the two men walking along behind them, their eyes sweeping the area for threats.

She made it down to the end of the hallway before she stumbled.

Daniel’s arm tightened around her.“I think we should turn back.Do you want me to carry you?”

“No, I can do it,” she said, drew in a deep breath, and turned slowly.She stopped halfway to calm her breathing before moving on.

Daniel bent to pick her up.“Here, I think you’re doing too much.Let me carry you back.”

Keira laid her hand on his shoulder.“No, wait, Daniel.I want to do it myself.”

They made it back, and Daniel helped her onto the bed.She collapsed back against her pillow as her breath was coming fast, and sweat was running down her temples.

“How are you feeling?”Daniel went on before she could answer.“You overdid it, didn’t you?Dammit, woman.”He stopped helping her out of her robe when she chuckled.At first, he was shocked she could laugh at this, and then a smile took over at the sound of her happiness.He wanted the chance to spend the rest of his life hearing that sound.

Keira closed her eyes and sighed as Daniel pulled the blanket up to her chest and tucked it around her.

“Daniel, I’m fine.I promise.It felt good to move, exhausting, but good.”

“Here, Honey, drink a little water.”He put the cup down after several swallows.Daniel put her bed down so she could rest, and then picked up a washcloth.

“Daniel, she’s fine.I promise.It’s good for her to push herself a little.She knows her limits, and if she forgot, I know the face she makes if she’s in severe pain.She was uncomfortable, but she’s going to feel that way for a while,” Layla reassured him.

“It’s damn hard watching her struggle and not do anything.Look at her.She’s asleep already.”

Layla pulled him away from Keira’s bed.“Listen, if you’re not going to leave, go take a shower and shave.Conner brought everything you’ll need.I swear to you, Logan and I will be here every second.”

Logan squeezed Daniel’s shoulder.“We got this, Daniel, and if we need you, you’re three feet away.Take a long, hot shower, and tonight you’ll be able to sleep.Tomorrow you’ll feel like a new man.”

“I’ll shower.I know I probably stink.”

“Probably?”Logan asked sarcastically.

Daniel chuckled for the first time in so long it felt like it had been weeks.“Smart-ass,” he said, but stopped and pulled Layla into his arms.“Thank you.”He closed his eyes and swallowed back the tears clogging his throat.He walked off before either of them caught the tears he couldn’t hide.

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