Chapter 30

Xander said, "Things are quite complicated here, so I plan on staying a while longer. If you can't stand the climate, I can have Paxton take you back."

Abigail replied, "It's alright. I can handle a little hardship."

"Abigail..." His voice was heavy, weighted with concern as he called her name.

"Yes?"

Xander said, "In the future, if you encounter situations like today, don't be so reckless."

Abigail had no words. She did not want to be reckless either; it was just her instinctive reaction. Being under his control for so long had conditioned her to consider him first in everything she did.

After a tense silence, Xander spoke again, "Does your husband know about your injury?"

Abigail shook her head. "I didn't tell him."

Xander, puzzled, asked, "Why not?"

"I don't want him to worry about me."

Xander understood and felt uneasy. He imagined that if his wife had not betrayed him and they had a normal relationship, he would not be happy if she hid an injury from him either. He glanc