That Killed Us 2

Chapter2 

In that instant, Lydia Rivers’s heart shattered. 

The pain in her body faded to a distant blur; only the ripping ache in her chest remained. 

More people shoved past, trampling over her. 

Her arms, her back, her leg–white–hot bursts of agony. 

Her vision went black. 

When she came to, she was in her own bed at the Rivers Estate. 

Chase Rylan sat at her bedside, eyes bloodshot. The second she stirred, he grabbed her hand. 

“Lydia! You’re awake. You scared me half to death. It was pitch–dark in there and packed–one turn and you were gone. Don’t be mad 

okay?” 

at me, 

He looked so frantic, so worried, that it felt 

most cruelly ironic. 

When she didn’t answer, Chase took her silence for anger and softened his voice, coaxing. 

“I know I messed up. You’re hurt, and your parents have been slammed with work–they can’t be here to look after you. Let me stay and take care of you. Let me make it right.” 

For the next few days, he really did stay. 

He changed her bandages, helped her sit up, fed her, hovered like he used to–like there had never been anyone but the two of them. 

That evening, after helping her drink some water, he dabbed the corner of her mouth with a tissue. 

The air shifted–warm, slow, a little breathless. He looked at her, eyes growing darker, and lowered his head to kiss her. 

The bedroom door swung open. 

Sienna Quinn stood in the doorway. Her smile froze. 

JANMANNE 

Chase jerked upright as if scalded. “What are you doing here?” 

Forcing a brightness that didn’t reach her eyes, Sienna lifted the insulated container in her arms. 

“Lydia’s hurt. I was worried, so I made some beef stew and brought it over.” 

She opened the container, ladled out a bowl, and carried it to Lydia. 

Lydia shook her head. “Thanks, but I’m not hungry.” 

1 

Sienna’s mouth trembled, wounded. She turned those eyes on Chase. 

He rushed to smooth it over, taking the bowl and sitting at the edge of the bed. 

“Come on, Lydia. At least a little. She cooked for hours. Let me feed you. 

27 

He lifted the spoon to her lips. Not wanting a scene with Sienna watching, Lydia parted her mouth and forced down a few sips. 

“Oops,” Sienna chirped a moment later, glancing at her fingers. “I got oil on my hands, Lydia, where’s your bathroom? I should wash up.” 

Lydia pointed down the hall, 

Sienna pouted. “I’m scared I’ll open the wrong door. Chase, can you take me?” 

He hesitated, looking back at Lydia. 

She closed her eyes. She couldn’t bear to look at either of them.