Ah, so that was it. No wonder.

What could he possibly do? Could he scold her for that? Of course not. As long as she was here, safe and unharmed, his heart finally settled back where it belonged.

“This whistle’s a real lifesaver. I was scared out of my mind when you didn’t answer, but the second I blew it, there you were.” He chuckled and tapped her nose playfully. “Guess I’ll count on this from now on to track you down.”

“Sure,” Hadley replied with a laugh. Then she tilted her head and teased, “Scared out of your mind? Really?”

“Literally.” Eric nodded, his face serious. He then took her hand and placed it over his chest. “If you don’t believe me, see for yourself. My heart’s going wild.”

Beneath her palm, his heartbeat thundered, quick and strong. He wasn’t making it up.

Looking up at him, Hadley felt a bittersweet ache in her chest. “Why are you so nervous? I’m home, aren’t I?”

This place was as secure as a fortress, all because of him. What could possibly happen to her here?

“And besides,” she went on with a gentle smile, “I’m fine today. I didn’t see or hear anything unusual. I just slept a little too much during the day, so I couldn’t sleep now.”

That was why she had wandered out to the garden, just to pass the time.

“Is that so?” Eric, relieved at last, slipped an arm around her shoulders and steered her back toward the house. “That’s good to hear. Come on. Let’s head inside.”

“Alright, let’s go.”

The two of them walked side by side, chatting as they went.

“Have you taken your medicine?” Hadley asked.

“Not yet. I came to find you as soon as I got back.”

“Good timing. We saved some soup for you. Have that first, and then take your medicine.”

Step into fiction with gα?ησν?so

“Alright.”

Once they reached the dining room, Eric pulled out a chair for Hadley. “Sit here. I’ll serve the soup. You just wait.”

“Okay,” Hadley replied with a smile.

The soup in the pot was still warm. Eric filled two bowls, carried them over, and set one in front of her.

“You have a bowl too. Keep me company.”

“Alright.” Hadley grinned and reached out to take the bowl.

“Careful. It’s hot.”

“I know.”

As Eric passed the bowl across the table, he let go. But the instant he did, he realized something was wrong.

It was too late.

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