I Told You To Run But You Didn't (Georgia) novel Chapter 24

Chapter 24

Georgia’s POV

“Yeah, I stayed,” he said, finally turning his full attention from the window to me.

Finished

My heart gave a painful thud against my ribs as his dark intense gaze landed on me. I had to swallow before I could speak.

“Why?”

“Curiosity,” he said, his voice a low purr that vibrated through the quiet room. “I wanted to see what would happen next. Your in-laws are sloppy, but they’re also desperate. I was merely ensuring they didn’t try to clean up their mess.” His smile was a flash of white in the morning light, and it wasn’t friendly. “Does my interference bother you? Do you think my intentions are malicious?”

“No,” I said, shaking my head. Offending him was the last thing I wanted to do.

“You are very trusting for a woman who was just assaulted,” he observed, his eyes narrowing slightly, as if trying to solve a puzzle.

“I’m not trusting,” I countered, finding a sliver of defiance. “I’m observant. You had every opportunity to take advantage of the situation last night, and you didn’t

He took a step closer, his gaze so intense it felt like a physical touch. “Don’t mistake restraint for a lack of interest, Georgia,” he murmured, the words a soft, velvet threat that sent a shiver down my spine. “Now rest. You have decisions to make, and I expect you to be clear-headed when you make them.”

A discreet knock at the door made us both turn. Estevan opened it to his secretary, a man with a calm demeanor and worried eyes.

“Harvey, what is it?”

Harvey’s gaze found me, and he dipped his head respectfully. “Good morning, Mrs. Sterling. I’m glad to see you’re awake.”

“Ms. Sinclair,” Estevan said, his voice quiet but absolute. The correction was so simple, so final, it felt more powerful than a shout.

My cheeks burned. What was this strange, intense attention from a man like him? I offered Harvey a small smile. “Please, call me Georgia. Or Gia.”

Harvey returned the smile briefly before turning back to Estevan. “Boss, a problem has arisen that requires your immediate attention.”

Estevan was silent for a long moment, his gaze still on me, as if weighing his options. Seeing his hesitation, I spoke up. “It’s okay, you can go. Thank you for your time. I wish there was a way to repay you for all your help.”

He finally looked away from me and toward the door, but his next words were aimed directly at me. “There will be,” he said frankly. “I’ll let you know the terms.”

My eyes widened slightly. He wasn’t just accepting my thanks; he was accepting a debt.

He and Harvey were gone a moment later, and I was lef staring at the empty doorway, a cold, thrilling dread washing over me.

67%

Chapter 24

Finished

Patricia blew into the room like a hurricane, a duffel bag slung over her shoulder. “Right. Operation Jailbreak is a go,” she declared, dropping the bag on the chair. “I’ve got clothes, toiletries, and concealer. Everything you need to walk out of here looking like a goddess who just woke up from a nap, not a woman who survived a coup.”

I couldn’t help but laugh, though it felt fragile. It was a relief to see her. A dull ache settled in my chest as I thought about the man who should have been here instead. Lucas. He was likely with his mother and sister, trying to clean up the mess they’d made.

“Don’t,” Patricia said sternly, reading my mind. “Don’t even think about him. The police are having a field day with them, from what I hear. Serves them right.” She sat down, her energy softening into concern. “This whole thing is just… awful. It makes me miss Zane so much. He would have torn them apart with his bare hands for laying a finger on his little sister.”

My focus sharpened, the sadness replaced by a steely resolve. “I still believe he’s out there, Tricia. He’s alive. I’m going to prove it.”

Patricia’s eyes welled up for a second before she blinked the tears away, her practical nature taking over. “I know you will,” she said firmly. “You’re the most stubborn person I know. But before we go chasing ghosts, we have a dragon to slay.” She stood up, her hands on her hips. “Let’s focus on your divorce. Let’s get you every last cent he owes you. Once we’ve secured your future, we can begin our search for your past.”

Patricia stepped out to handle the hospital bill, giving me a moment alone. I took a long, hot shower, washing away the grime and trauma of the last twelve hours. Dressed in the fresh clothes she’d brought, I was just brushing my damp hair when Patricia barged back into the room, her eyes as wide as saucers.

“You’re not going to believe this,” she breathed.

“What is it?”

“The bill. It’s been taken care of. All of it.” She leaned against the doorframe, a slow, impressed grin spreading across her face. “I think Mr. Salvatore paid for everything.”

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