Chapter 516

But I couldn't keep hiding forever.

The tougher things got, the less I could afford to run.

I let go of the blanket, and Wayne pulled it back just a little, studying my face. "I heard you got swept into the water. You scared the hell out of me." That was his way of explaining why he was here.

I managed a weak smile. "What, did I make the news?"

I mean, it's the internet age—of course someone filmed the whole thing instead of helping.

"Yeah, looking like a poor little thing," Wayne replied, lifting his hand.

Instinctively, I leaned back, but he just gave me a gentle smile. "Relax, I was just going to fix your hair. Look how jumpy you are."

I stayed quiet as he sat down on the edge of the bed. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm fine. They already checked me over."

"Doesn't look like it went too well. You even cried, huh?" he said, noticing my red, puffy eyes.

Wayne probably knew it wasn't fear that had me crying, but he phrased it that way to give me an easy out.

I forced a smile. "L