Chapter 47

Nathaniel warned her the area wasn't safe. His pursuers were getting closer. If she stayed, she wouldn't survive.

But Harrison didn't run.

Instead, she fought to pull him along, dragging him into a concealed cave.

"Big Brother, we'll be safe here. They won't find us," she whispered.

He studied her—so young, barely more than a child. Winter had already settled in, yet she wore only a threadbare dress, faded from countless washes.

She clutched a ragged doll, her only companion in this desolate forest.

Nathaniel was bleeding, his body numb with cold.

Harrison wrapped her arms around him. "You're freezing. Hold onto me—you'll warm up."

Her eyes were bright, clear as morning dew.

"Why are you alone?" he asked. "Where's your family?"

A pause. Then, softly, "I don't have one. No one wants me."

He pulled her close. "If I make it out of here, I'm taking you with me. I want you by my side."

He unclasped the crystal pendant from his neck and fastened it around hers.

They huddled together through the night, sharing what little warmth they had. By some miracle, they survived.

But when dawn broke, she was gone.

His team arrived by helicopter, forcing him to leave without her.

"Where are you? Don't go!" Nathaniel gasped, jerking awake.

Another dream.

He'd found her years ago—that girl was Isabella.

Their relationship was the envy of their circle. He'd spoiled her, molded her into the radiant woman she was now.

Everyone knew she was his most treasured possession.

Yet still, he dreamed of that fragile girl in the woods.

Her determination as she dragged him to safety.

The warmth of her small body pressed against his.

And the crushing emptiness when she vanished.

Nathaniel shifted—then froze.

A soft, warm weight lay against his chest.

Harrison.

Memories of last night rushed back.

She'd curled into him, her back against his chest, and he'd wrapped his arms around her.

They'd slept like that, tangled together.

Morning light spilled through the curtains, painting the room gold.

Harrison slept soundly in his embrace, her delicate features peaceful. The faintest dusting of lashes rested against her cheeks.

For a moment, the world stilled.

It was as if that lost girl had returned to him.

He couldn't look away.

She stirred slightly, her oversized shirt slipping off one shoulder. The smooth curve of her skin glowed in the sunlight.

Nathaniel's breath hitched.

Fully healed now, his body reacted instantly to her closeness. He forced his gaze upward.

The wound on her waist.

Carefully, he lifted the hem of her shirt, keeping his eyes averted from what lay below.

Bruises marred her pale skin—ugly, violent marks.