If You Know Her: A Novel of Romantic Suspense

knock,” she said stiffly. “Perhaps you were closer to sleep than you realize.”
    “Ahhh. Perhaps.” Nia flicked Law a glance and then looked at the nurse. “And perhaps you should find another nurse to provide his care. Naturally, you’re distraught about the death of your relative—that would explain why you’re not acting with the concern for your patients that you
should
display.”
    Before the nurse could say another word, Nia uncurled herself from the chair and rocked back on her heels. “It really would be best if you did just that. How good would it look if you were reported to the licensing board for less than ethical behavior? Before you answer, be aware … I know how to make that report. And I will.”
    Without another word, the woman left.
    Law lifted a brow. “Being a bitch isn’t the same as being unethical,” he said.
    “It is if she’s doing it just because she’s pissed about her cousin.” She jerked a shoulder in a shrug. “I wasn’t asleep—and she’s nowhere near as quiet as she needs to be when she’s bitching. I could hear her out at the nurse’s station. She was griping about cover-ups and conspiracy crap. If she can’t separate her personal opinion from her professional job, then Nurse Ratchett out there needs to find a different nurse for you.”
    He gave her a weak version of a lewd grin. “You know, it makes me hot, seeing you get upset on my behalf.”
    “Yeah? What doesn’t make you hot?” She smiled, but it was tight. Strained.
    “Hmm. Nurse Ratchett. Doesn’t do a damn thing for me.” He grimaced and shifted on the bed. “Fucking leg. Hurts like hell.”
    “I bet.” She came closer, brushed his hair back from his face. “You need anything for it?”
    Probably, but he didn’t want anything. It would just make him sleep and right then he wanted to sit there and enjoy being alive—enjoy seeing her. Enjoy knowing it was
over
. “Nah. I’m good.”
    “Yeah. I can tell—you look like you’re ready for a walk on the beach.” She bent down and pressed her lips to his temple.
    Law took a deep breath, breathing her in. Her scent flooded his head, chased away some of the stink of antiseptic and blood. A little more of the horror faded. It really was over. Maybe now they could start to talk … to think …
    “Well, Reilly … I’ve got to say. It’s been an adventure.”
    Law blinked at her. “What?”
    She shrugged. “Can’t say it’s been boring, right?” Shehesitated and then brushed a hand through his hair. “You take care of yourself.”
    For a second, he was caught off guard. Big time. As her lips pressed to his, his mind was spinning in circles, trying to figure out why it sounded like she was saying good-bye.
    Then it dawned on him, as she turned away.
    She
was
saying good-bye.
    Reaching out, he caught her arm, just barely. “Wait—what—you’re leaving? Just like that?”
    Nia turned back to him. With a shrug, she said, “What else am I supposed to do? It’s over now. Time for me to get back to my life. I need to start living again, right?”
    “But …” He let go of her arm, uncertain of what he had to say. What
could
he say? Damn it. “You just leave.”
    “My life is in Virginia,” she said gently. Then, without another word, she turned and walked away.

CHAPTER
TWENTY-FIVE
     
    M Y LIFE IS IN V IRGINIA .
    What life?
    Nia stared at the four walls of her empty home and tried to figure out just what it was she’d been coming back to. Because there was nothing. That was exactly what she’d found. Absolutely nothing. The emptiness here threatened to drive her mad.
    She’d been back for a week and it was already too long.
    It wasn’t the place, though, that was lacking.
    It was her.
    She was missing something. Something she was realizing just might have become vital—
    Of course, it didn’t help that every fricking day she had to hear his name. She hadn’t even made it home before she heard his name. The calls from Ezra started almost immediately.
    Did you not realize there would be questions I needed to ask? Law said you took off, left town. What the hell, Nia?
    Then the next day.
Law’s been discharged, although he’s having a hell of a time getting around on that leg of his. Hope’s going to help him out for a few days. I need
to talk to you, ask some questions—you know, you could come back out here, stay for a week or two while he gets on his feet
.
    Every fricking day. But it wouldn’t have mattered.