Chapter 348

‘They’re creating a diversion to keep the kidnappers busy. That’s how I managed to get you out.’ Another wave of nausea hit me, dry and wrenching. Rhys hurried to pour a glass of water and handed it to me. ‘Here, sip this. I’ll figure something out for food.’ ‘Really, don’t bother. If people are looking for us, it’s not worth the risk. I’ll be fine. Staying alive is more important than eating.’ I took a small sip. The water warmed my stomach slightly, so I drank a bit more. But after a few mouthfuls, my body rebelled. Everything came back up, violently. I hadn’t eaten anything in hours, so there was nothing left to bring up except bitter bile. It was agonising. Rhys passed me tissues and rubbed my back gently as I retched. When it was over, I collapsed back onto the bed, drained and shaky. ‘Do you want to try more water?’ I shook my head. ‘No.’ In that moment, I missed Ashton terribly. I ached for him to be the one taking care of me. But he wasn’t. It was just Rhys. I lay still, my eye