Chapter 9

Charles' sudden question pulled my wandering thoughts back, and my heart lurched. "No, why?" I outright denied it. "You kept calling out for a 'Carl' when you were unconscious. I thought he might be your brother or something." I lowered my eyes when I heard this. "No, I don't have a brother. It must've been a nightmare." Thankfully, Charles didn't press the issue further, and I breathed a sigh of relief. Later that night, when the IV drip was all administered and the pain medication gradually wore off, biting pain started to take over every inch of my body. I couldn't stand it, but I had burns on my back, too, so I could only stay in one position. It was excruciating. Charles stayed with me and whispered some sweet reassurances while kissing me gently on the lips, "I'm here, Shay." I didn't like his kisses at all. I closed my eyes and suggested, "Charles, lie with me and hold me. I won't hurt anymore if you hold me." As I curled myself up against his chest, I endured that tort