Page 147 of Beautiful Exile

I moved to the dresser, searching for a tee and some sweats. My fingers ghosted over the soft cotton of a worn Seattle Sparks T-shirt, so I pulled it out and tossed it onto the bed. Then I found sweatpants I knew I would drown in but figured the drawstring might save me.

Crossing to the bathroom, I flicked on the light. It felt brighter than necessary, and I couldn’t help but study my hand. The liquid bandage stuff Dr. Avery had used had done the trick. The angry slice across my palm was nothing more than a red line now.

But it would scar. And that scar would remind me of tonight. Of all Linc and I had been through. I found I wasn’t sorry about that. Because it would also be a reminder of all we’d overcome and how strong we were when we stood together.

I lightly traced the line, feeling gratitude instead of pain and letting that sink in.

Finally, I dropped my hand and moved toward the massive tub. But as I reached for the faucet, I was plunged into darkness.

Panic flashed hot and bright, digging into my muscles.Breathe.I gave myself the command over and over as I cursed myself for not having my phone or keys—the ones with the new flashlight Linc had given me.

Dark spots danced in front of my vision as I gripped the side of the tub.No.I wouldn’t let this fear win either. It was just a stupid power outage, probably caused by record-setting temperatures earlier in the day.

I forced myself to straighten, focusing on keeping my breathing even. Linc was downstairs, right outside. I’d find him, and we’d be fine.

I slipped into the bedroom, and that’s when I heard it. Footsteps. Not hurried ones the way Linc’s would be if he knew the power was out, but slow and measured. Deliberate. And then I heard a voice.

“Let’s play a game, Sheridan. You hide, and I’ll seek. I’ll even give you to the count of ten. Run while you can.”

54

LINCOLN

“I just got your message.I’m so sorry. My phone was on silent. I should’ve checked it sooner. Are you okay? Is Arden okay?”

“El Bell, breathe,” I said, stepping out into the night and gesturing for Brutus to head past the landscaping to do whatever he needed.

“You said some woman attacked you and Arden! Breathing is secondary at the moment.”

I couldn’t help it; a small chuckle slipped free, and, God, I needed that.

“This isn’t something to be laughing about, Lincoln.”

Shit.I knew Ellie was seriously pissed if she was calling me Lincoln. “I’m okay. Arden’s okay. She’s got a cut on her palm, but that’s it. She disarmed the assailant, and the woman’s in jail now.”

An audible exhale came across the line. “Good. That’s good. Can you guys stop with all the life-in-danger stuff? It’s getting a little old.”

I laughed full-out this time. “Noted. I’ll try to keep things nice and boring.”

“Thank you.”

“How are you doing?” I asked, watching as Brutus caught the scent of something, chasing it into the underbrush.

“You and the love of your life nearly get knifed, and you’re asking me howI’mdoing?” she asked incredulously.

“Just because I have a lot going on doesn’t mean you don’t. I can hold both.”

“You were always so good at that.” Ellie’s voice went tight as if she were trying to keep a sob from erupting.

“Hey, what’s going on?”

“It’s nothing. It’s just…long few days. Talked to Dad.”

I couldn’t help the curse that slipped free.

“That about sums it up,” Ellie muttered. Then she went quiet for a long moment. “You were right. I knew he wasn’t the best dad, but I don’t even think he looks at us as children. It’s like we’re possessions.”

“I didn’t want you to have to know that the way I do,” I said softly.

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