Chapter 14
With a soft moan, Tara slowly opened her eyes looking around the room. The fireplace held a roaring fire that was keeping the spacious room faintly lit and toasty warm. Across from her Myles was sleeping soundly in a recliner that he'd pulled close to her so he could keep watch.
Tara frowned not liking that she'd slept for hours while he took care of her. While a strong part of her was flattered by the attention he was giving her, she was uncomfortable about how much she relied on him. Used to taking care of herself, she vowed that she would from now on despite her injuries.
She thought if she stayed on the couch much longer that she wouldn't be able to tell where the couch ended and she began. Her head felt fuzzy. She knew she had a fever, not a high one, though it did cause her some concern.
Suddenly, the only thing that mattered was a long, hot, luxurious bubble bath. Well, that won't be happening anytime soon, Tara sighed softly, overwhelmed by a wave of anxiety.
Her body was stiff and sore. The fractured collarbone and the burdensome sling meant her dominant hand was rendered practically useless. Even the simplest activities were major undertakings for her right now.
With a shake of her head, Tara pushed past the feelings of dread she was experiencing. Time for trip to the bathroom, and this time, she'd do it on her own. Gritting her teeth as she pushed herself up from the couch, she bit back the moan of pain that she knew would awaken Myles and silently made her way to the bathroom.
Toughen up, Williams, she told herself as a wave of dizziness came over her. Each breath continued to send spasms of pain throughout her body as she fought to keep her breathing quiet.
Standing took its toll quickly, and after several minutes, she was forced to lean heavily against the bathroom door frame to ward off the nausea and dizziness. Ducking her head, she struggled to get a handle on it, refusing to succumb.
For Tara, the next several minutes became a nightmare within a nightmare. She would recall the next several minutes as a terrifying series of photographs and sounds.
A small creak behind her caused her to turn.
Two dark figures rose up in the window behind Myles.
An ear-splitting crash of glass showered tiny shards of glass on Myles.
Startled cries came from him as he was awakened by the violent intrusion.
Two large men crashed through the window battling and overpowered Myles quickly.
Tara experienced the mind-numbing realization that her gun was under the couch she'd been sleeping on. She had no way to help him. In an instant, she made a painful, gut-wrenching decision.
Sinking to the ground with adrenalin taking over, Tara managed to slip out of the room. To help Myles, she would have to remain free and hope that whoever the dark shadows were, they wouldn't do anything until she was able to get help.