77. Until He is Better

River lay motionless on the bed, his body wracked with fever. Sweat poured down his face, soaking the pillow beneath his head. He coughed violently, his chest heaving with each labored breath.

Riley watched him from the doorway, her brow furrowed. She couldn't understand the confusing mix of emotions swirling inside her - fear, anger, but also a strange twinge of concern for this cruel, dangerous man. The man who had kidnapped her to use as a pawn in his vicious game of revenge against her father.

Backing away, Riley retreated to the living room. Her mind raced as she paced back and forth across the hardwood floor. She really ought to find a way out of here.

Her heart hammered in her chest. She couldn't just sit here, a helpless captive, not knowing what comes next. Her father must be going out of his mind with worry, marshaling all his resources to find her.

Suddenly, the sound of approaching footsteps shattered Riley's thought. Her body tensed, her heart leaping into her throat as s