Page 57 of The Library on Plum Island
“Calm down!” Daniella told both men as she quickly examined her head. Alex was right. There was a big bump at the back of it. “Turn around, both of you, please.”
Harley and Alex stood and walked a few feet away with their backs turned to her while she quickly examined her side. There was no wound. Confusion furrowed her brow as Daniella examined the dark stains on her shirt. The realization hit her with a mixture of horror and relief.
“You can turn around now,” Daniella told them. “I’m not injured beside the golf ball at the back of my head. This is not my blood.” She saw the relief wash over Alex and Harley, then quickly said in sign language to them,Hicks must’ve bitten the intruder when he flew into my room to confront them. Be careful what you say in here because I think the house may be bugged.She looked at Alex.I think yours may be as well.
Alex’s eyes widened momentarily before nodding in understanding, and he signed back,We know about my house as Sam and Harley found bugs.
“I’m so glad you’re okay, Dani,” Harley said out loud as she signed to her.We’re leaving them where they are to let whoever planted them think they have the upper hand.
Sam said it was a strategic decision and would turn our vulnerability into a deceptive weapon against our unseen adversary. Alex explained.
I’m going to get the bug device and find out where they are planted.Harley told them.Act as naturally as you can.
Alex and Daniella nodded.
“I’m going to call Jennifer about the marriage license and then Uncle Sam,” Harley said out loud. “I’ll be back soon.” He strode out of the living room.
“You gave us such a fright, Daniella,” Alex told her, and she could see he meant it.
“I can imagine what it must’ve looked like arriving here to …” Daniella’s eyes widened. “The burglar was in my room.”
She swung her legs over the sofa and pushed herself into a standing position. The world wobbled as she swayed from dizziness, and she landed in Alex’s arms as he caught her before she collapsed. Daniella’s breath caught in her throat as their eyes met, and her heart went wild, making her feel lightheaded, not from the bump on her head but from the impression Alex had made on her heart.
“Whoa, slow down there, speedy.” Alex’s voice was soft, and she could feel it vibrate through his warm, solid chest, which she pressed against.
Their eyes locked, and Daniella felt their lips being drawn toward each other. But before they could meet, Harley’s voice came from the kitchen, making the spring apart with such force she nearly fell over. Alex’s hand snaked out and caught her wrist, steadying her.
“Daniella!” Harley called and shot across the room. “Why on earth are you trying to stand up?”
“The burglar was in my room,” Daniella explained as Alex slowly let her go when she was steady on her feet. “I need to see what they took.”
“Let me help you,” Alex offered before Harley could. “Or at least let me come with you so you don’t pass out on the way.”
“Okay,” Daniella said with a nod, feeling comforted. In truth, she was nervous to go into her bedroom alone at the moment. “Thank you.”
“I’ll wait here for Jennifer to call me back,” Harley told them, then signed.I’m going to check for bugs.
Daniella and Harley walked into her room, and she couldn’t suppress the shudder that hit her at the thought that someone had violated her private domain. Her eyes scanned the room, and her heart lurched when she noticed that the photo of Tom had the frame smashed.
She rushed to the table, and her eyes landed on the warning written in lipstick on her bedside table.
This is just a frame that can be fixed. If you marry Alex, you won’t be able to fix what will happen to one of you.
CHAPTER 12
Alexstoodstaringatthe message on Daniella’s phone. Her face was ashen, and her eyes wide with fear.
“I can’t do this, Alex,” Daniella told him, her voice hoarse with panic. “Ron Jackson had someone come into my home, my sanctuary, to terrorize me.” She shook her head, clutching the picture from the broken frame. “I thought I could do this, but I can’t.”
“You can’t do what?” Alex’s heart froze in his chest.
“This!” Daniella threw up her hands. “Make my stand and face down my enemy.”
“Yes, you can,” Alex encouraged, taking her hand in his. “You can do this because you’re not alone this time. You have me!”
“I had my uncle and cousins last time,” Daniella pointed out. “That man went after them, and the only friend Ron didn’t manage to isolate or turn against me. He nearly killed her.”
“Dani…” Alex’s voice dropped to a soothing tone. “Last time you were a single woman, which to a narcissist like Doctor Jackson, he sees as vulnerable and easier to manipulate.”
