CHAPTER 31

Starlight stretched, feeling all sorts of aches and pains. All of her right side was covered in bruises. She groaned, going limp against the sheets. Everything ached.

“That’s gotta hurt,” Elijah said, standing in the doorway.

“It does.”

“I brought you something.”

Elijah sat on the edge of the bed, offering her some pain pills and a glass of water.

“God… Best present ever.”

She sat up and took the pills, aware that his eyes were fixed on her bruises.

“I know it looks bad…”

He winced, shaking his head.

“You were extremely lucky. Unless your car…”

Starlight wanted to reach for him. She loved the concern that creased his face. And hated herself for it. She’d lied to him last night. And she would keep lying to him. He didn’t need to know she was coming to him. Or that she loved him. Or that the way she felt, how overwhelming it was, scared her.

She didn’t want to be scared… to hurt. Seeing his face in the hospital room,