CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

My mouth was full of crimson mucus, and I was awoken by a gurgling cough.

A hand reached out, and tissue was handed to me.

Thank you, I said through clenched teeth after spitting out the vile substance.

I glanced at the kind soul who handed me a tissue as I tried to regain my breath.

Upon realizing how near Aric was, I gasped, which started another round of coughing. The events of the previous night came flooding back to me at once.

I'd smacked him around, shouted at him, and by the grace of God, he still ate off of me.

It's okay, he responded as I tried to escape him. I've gotten over my anger.

He spoke to her gently, soothingly, "Liberty," and he was relieved to hear that she was awake.

He grabbed for my face, and I recoiled in fear.

And I see you recall what occurred last night," he murmured, releasing her hand with a defeated expression.

He took a cup from the nightstand and offered it to her, adding, "Stay in bed as long as you need to. Let me know when you're ready to eat, and I