CHAPTER 37: Shadows Closing In

DAVID

The thought of Lizzy getting anywhere near Bella or her father made my jaw tighten. My hands balled into fists as I paced the hospital corridor, glancing at the door to Bella's father's room.

Lizzy knew. How she found out, I wasn’t sure, but I knew her games better than anyone. We had played them together once. My lips curled into a humorless smirk. You think you can outplay me, Lizzy? Try me.

Pulling out my phone, I punched in the number for my head of security.

“I need ten bodyguards here. Now,” I ordered, my voice as cold as the polished floor beneath my feet.

“Yes, sir,” came the immediate reply before I ended the call, my grip on the phone still tight.

BELLA

The soft click of keys stirred me awake. Squinting against the morning light, I turned to see David sitting beside me, his face illuminated by the glow of his laptop screen.

“Good morning,” I murmured, my voice still heavy with sleep.

His head lifted, and a slow smile spread across his face. God, that smile. It was the