A Vow of Deception, A Vow of Revenge novel Chapter 23

And besides, she loved him so much—no matter how much time she spent with Elvis, her heart would never waver for him.

Elvis carried Winona back to the hospital room. When his men saw them, they froze in surprise.

"Mr. Rogers, what happened? Weren't you just going to meet Miss Thorne? How come—"

The one speaking was a young man named Evan, who had gone to pick up Elvis from the restaurant the previous day. He was Elvis's right-hand man.

It was actually Evan who had called Winona and asked her to come to the hospital today, acting on his own initiative.

He'd always had a hunch that Elvis felt something special for Winona.

So he'd gone ahead and made the call without asking.

When Elvis found out, he hadn't blamed Evan—he'd just shot him a cool glance and left to fetch Winona himself.

But no one expected him to come back carrying her in his arms. And judging by the look on Miss Thorne's face, something was clearly wrong.

Elvis set Winona gently on the edge of the bed, helping her to sit up. He frowned at Evan. "Get the doctor. Now."

"Right away."

Evan pressed the call button by the door, but that didn't seem quick enough—he hurried off himself to find a doctor.

The other men, knowing to stay out of the way, quietly left the room. Soon, only Elvis and Winona remained.

"Winona, look at me." Elvis knelt to her eye level, his voice low and steady. "It's me, Elvis. You're safe now. Everything's alright."

Winona's gaze was glassy, unfocused. "Elvis…"

"I'm here." He reached out and gave her shoulder a gentle, reassuring squeeze. "You're safe. I'm right here with you. Don't be afraid."

Winona squeezed her eyes shut. Two tears slid down her pale cheeks.

Gradually, her breathing slowed and her mind cleared.

When she opened her eyes again, the confusion was gone; her gaze had regained its clarity.

"I'm sorry, Mr. Rogers. I lost my composure. Thank you for saving me just now—I owe you another favor."

She tried to stand, but Elvis pressed her shoulder lightly, insisting she stay seated.

He'd always suspected there was something between Mr. Rogers and Miss Thorne. After all, just last night, when Elvis was out of it, he'd called out Winona's name.

Once the doctor left, Evan discreetly slipped out as well.

"Mr. Rogers, I really am alright now," Winona said with a rueful smile. "But you—how are you feeling? Are you sure you're okay?"

The moment she asked, a vivid memory flashed in her mind—Elvis holding her tightly in his arms the night before.

Her heart skipped. Embarrassment crept up from deep inside.

She tried to reassure herself. It's fine, she told herself. Last night he'd been drugged; it was just an unusual situation, nothing more.

"I'm fine too," Elvis replied calmly.

Judging by the energy in his voice and the color in his face, he did seem fully recovered.

Winona nodded, thinking the subject was closed—until Elvis spoke up again.

"About last night—"