Heartbreaker (The Warriors) Read Free Page B

front of him. Instead, he pressed them to his sides.
    "Micah," she said quietly.
    He paused, his chin coming up as he tilted his head in her direction.
    "The leading edge of the chair cushion is about eight inches from where you’re standing. Move slowly and you’ll feel the presence of the chair before you actually reach it, but only if you trust your senses and allow them to guide you."
    He moved with care and an unusual grace for such a large man deprived of his ability to see. Once he sank down into the chair, he exhaled and gripped the arms. "I didn’t ask to be sent here." Anger and resentment resonated in his low voice.
    "I realize that."
    "Why would you want a stranger in your home?"
    "You’re my father’s friend."
And you saved my life, even though you obviously don’t remember me.
    "That’s not an answer."
    "It’s the only one I’ve got right now." Her gaze fell to his white–knuckled grip on the arms of the chair. She ached for him, but she managed to keep her voice calm as she spoke. "I’m offering you my hospitality and friendship, not pity. I save that for people who really need it."
    "I don’t want or need your help, and I’d like to be left alone now."
    "I understand what you’re saying, but I can’t allow you to turn this suite into a bunker while you ignore reality. I have some free time on my hands, and I intend to put it to good use while you’re here. Cyrus told me the doctors are uncertain if you’ll regain your vision. Since your blindness could be permanent, you need to learn some good habits right off the bat."
    "Get the hell out of here. Now!" he shouted, his temper finally exploding.
    She approached him, her hands joined in front of her as she studied him. "You cannot deal with this situation alone, and turning yourself into a recluse until you learn if the surgery’s been successful or not is a mistake. You must prepare yourself for the possibility that you’ll be blind. I’m putting you on notice right now, Micah Holbrook. I do not intend to let you hide from yourself or from the world. I know you’re angry, and I don’t have a problem with that. You’re an intelligent man, so be smart enough to make your anger work for you, instead of using it against yourself."
    He raked ruthless fingers through his close–cropped, pale gold hair. When he finally spoke, he did so through gritted teeth. "Please just get out of here and leave me alone."
    Bliss crossed the room. She paused at the door to glance back at Micah. She felt his panic, but she could do nothing about it at the moment. It would run its course, and then she would try again.
    Trembling with an array of emotions, not the least of which was determination, she lifted her chin. She knew in that instant that she would go to war with Micah in order to help him through this nightmare. But she needed to remain emotionally detached, at least for the time–being, and she wondered if she had the strength required for that particular task.
    "The evening meal is usually served at seven. I’ll see you then. We have a lot of work ahead of us, but I hope you enjoy your stay at Rowland House. Cyrus calls it the perfect place for rest and relaxation. When your luggage arrives, you should unpack your clothes without help from anyone. You’ll be less dependent on others if you do for yourself whatever you can."
    Her heart ached for him as she watched him continue to grapple with his rage. She thought he looked as lonely and isolated as a jagged mountain peak. While he simmered in silence, Bliss cautioned in a gentle voice, "No one will be allowed to wait on you, Micah. Your rank is meaningless in my home, so don’t issue any orders. Anyone who caters to you will be shipped out in a matter of hours."
    Bliss slipped out of his suite, pulled the door closed behind her, and then sank back against it. Her hands shook, and her heart raced. Tears filled her eyes, but she angrily brushed them away. She covered her face with her hands until the