A Vow of Deception, A Vow of Revenge novel Chapter 201

Jude Quincy was weak and drained, barely able to muster a breath. When the man at his bedside ignored his question, Jude figured maybe the guy didn’t understand English. He tried again in French, but the man remained as silent as a stone.

Jude wanted to get angry, but he just didn’t have the strength.

Forget it.

At least now his mind was clear.

He wasn’t dead.

That was all that mattered.

Whoever had tried to kill him had failed, and as long as he was still breathing, he had a shot at payback.

But the pain—God, the pain was excruciating. If this kept up, he thought wryly, he’d end up dying from it anyway.

The door to the room opened from the outside.

Jude’s view was blocked by the man at his bedside, so he couldn’t see who had come in. He only saw the man stand and respectfully address someone: “Miss.”

So he does speak after all, Jude thought sourly. He’d been giving Jude the silent treatment, and now, just like that, he had a voice. How infuriating.

Jude wanted to sit up and see who it was, but pain and exhaustion pinned him to the bed, so he stayed put, helpless and still.

“How is he?” The new voice was soft, clear—and oddly familiar.

Jude’s eyes flickered with recognition.

That voice…

The man stepped aside.

And there she was: Winona Thorne.

Jude’s gaze sharpened, a thousand complicated emotions crossing his face. “So it really was you.”

“You’re awake,” Winona said, her expression calm and unreadable. “You woke up sooner than I expected.”

Jude opened his mouth, but no words came out.

He wasn’t stupid—he understood the situation well enough.

Winona had saved him.

If he hadn’t been lucky enough to escape, he’d be dead right now.

If Winona really were behind it, would he still be here, talking to her?

And more than that, he knew the truth: if she hadn’t helped him—if she hadn’t found him bleeding out after he’d escaped those men—he wouldn’t have survived his injuries or the blackout that followed. He owed her his life.

“Really, thank you,” he said again, meeting her eyes.

“Save your thanks for later,” Winona said, her tone unreadable. “For now, just rest.”

With that, she turned and walked out.

Jude watched her go, wanting to see her all the way to the door, but the bodyguard stepped in front of him, blocking his view without a hint of remorse.

“You—” Jude shot him a look of disbelief.

“If you need anything, ask. If not, get some sleep. The doctor will be by soon to change your bandages.”

Jude fidgeted for a moment, then couldn’t help himself. “I’d like some water.”

Without a word, the man crossed the room, poured a glass, and brought it to him.