Master of his heart (Brielle and Max)

The doctor delivered the news with a tone that brooked no argument. "If you've made up your mind, you need to get the surgery done as soon as possible."

Max couldn't trust the small-town hospital with Brielle's surgery; he was determined to get her back to Beaconsfield.

But Brielle had come here for a different reason-to find Dustin.

Massaging his temples, Max walked back into the hospital room. Brielle was sitting up in bed, her face pale and tired from the journey. Seeing Max seemed to lift her spirits a bit.

Max took her hand and kissed it gently. "Patrick's out looking for Dustin. I'm taking you back to Beaconsfield. Your health is the priority."

To reassure her, he called Patrick for an update.

Patrick's news wasn't great-Dustin and Emma still hadn't returned. They were likely caught up in some trouble and might have to spend the night in town. Patrick felt it would be a waste of time to go after them and risk missing them, so he decided to wait at Emma's place.

Besides, Emma's mother was seriously ill at home, barely able to move. Emma had left food and water within reach before going to sell herbs. Under the bed was a chamber pot Emma emptied every couple of days. Given her mother's condition, Emma wouldn't stay away for more than two days.

Dustin had insisted on accompanying her to town despite his injuries, hoping a change of scenery might help his memory. Her electric scooter could carry one more person, so she agreed. Now, both of them and the scooter were stuck at the bottom

on him. Now he sat quietly to one side, eyes closed. Emma had tried countless ways to

insisting he stay home. She took off her own clothes to cover him, hoping

eyes fluttered open, memories flooding

pulled Emma

feel the heat radiating from him. "Rest a bit,"

mound of dirt was over a meter high now. With a little more effort, she could

the pit wall,

mind was bombarded with

pain in his head.

hands and held him

tight against him.

murmured, seeking