“But my fiancée’s right,” I say, laying it on thick. “There’s nothing you can do for her medically. It’ll be a good idea for her to go someplace idyllic and beautiful to rest and recuperate.”
He still looks hesitant.
“Besides, that’s where I proposed.” The lie glides smoothly from my lips.
I sense Elizabeth start, probably stunned over not remembering something as momentous as the proposal. Guilt needles me—what the hell are you doing?—but I’m not letting her go to L.A., not until I get some answers.
“It could help, I suppose,” Dr. Raydor says finally. “But she absolutely has to take it easy.”
I manage a tight smile. “Don’t worry. I won’t let her lift a finger.”
* * *
Dominic
Elizabeth wants to be discharged immediately, but I convince her to stay a couple more nights. She’s physically okay at the moment, but I want to make sure. There aren’t any medical facilities where I plan to take her. And I need to ready the place for our stay.
I return to Aylster Resort and call the property manager in charge of taking care of the private island I bought a couple of years ago. Leaving her isn’t my first choice, but I can’t have her overhear my conversations. Memory loss doesn’t equal losing IQ points. Her mind’s still sharp, and she’ll figure out I’ve been lying through my teeth if I’m not careful.
Antoine walks in after my call. Sweat’s dampened his T-shirt and hairline. “Whoa, you’re here. She must be doing better now.”
I nod. “She regained consciousness earlier today.”
“Good. What did she say about the perp?”
“Nothing.”
Both of his eyebrows go up. “She didn’t see him either?”
I shift my weight, crossing my arms. “That’s not really the cause.”
“What do you mean?”
“She doesn’t remember,” I say vaguely.
“Damn.” He huffs with frustration. “I was so hopeful.” His eyes turn serious. “You think she’s blocking it? Too traumatic?”
I hesitate, not wanting to reveal Elizabeth’s true condition. Antoine may be my best friend, but my protective instinct cringes at the idea of sharing her vulnerability. If I tell him she’s a bit disoriented at the moment… No. That’s a dumb lie he’ll see right through the second he sees her. “I don’t think that’s the reason. She doesn’t even remember her name.”
“What?”
“Temporary amnesia is what the doctor says.”
“Whoa. That’s… I’ve never heard of people experiencing something like that before.” He scowls. “Need me to get in touch with her Russian?”
I stiffen, hating the way Antoine calls Tolyan her Russian. “Why the hell would you do that?”
Antoine’s jaw drops. “You can’t just leave her here alone.”
“I’m not going to.”
He gapes at me like I just lost my mind. “You can’t stay here indefinitely either. You got a company to run.”
“I know that.” But that hasn’t factored into my decision at all. I trust Inara at the helm one hundred percent. She’s an amazing executive.
“Then what’s your plan?”
“You know I own an island nearby—”