Page 51 of Rescuing You

She whispered it like he’d seen her do many times on dates, committing a word to memory by repeating it to herself.

“I don’t wish to argue with you. We owe you our lives.”

“You owe me nothing. Get some sleep.”

She flicked the lamp off and returned to her room.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

Leila woke the next morning to sunlight peeking past the blinds. She had not gotten a good rest.

She’d replayed her conversation with Michael more than once, thankful to him for cutting it off before it turned into an argument. She’d been tired and grumpy and not thinking rationally.

Considering all he’d done to rescue her and her sister, he certainly deserved her trust.

After coming to that rather obvious conclusion, she’d sought the Lord, trying to turn over all her worries and fears to Him.

Finally, she’d drifted off, only to be awakened by her sister’s retching in the bathroom. Leila had gone to see if she could do anything, but Jasmine had brushed her away with her typical, “It’s nothing.”

Leila wasn’t stupid. There was something seriously wrong, and the fact that Jasmine adamantly refused to talk about it—or even acknowledge it—infuriated her.

Which led to another hour of fuming and more time in prayer. She probably hadn’t gone back to sleep until nearly dawn.

Which explained why she’d slept so late.

“I’m sorry.”

Jasmine’s voice, coming from the living room through the closed door, had Leila sitting up.

“I did not mean to wake you,” Jasmine continued.

“I was just dozing.” Michael’s voice was rough. He cleared it. “I hope we can start fresh. I don’t want to argue with you.”

Leila stood and grabbed the dress she’d worn the night before.

A long pause, and then, “Coffee?”

“Sure.”

Dressed, Leila used the restroom, brushed her fingers through her hair, and hurried into the living room.

Michael was sitting on the couch. His gaze snapped to her, then to her sister and back.

He got that look she’d witnessed all her life—confusion, followed by surprise. She could see it, the remark forming on his lips before they quirked up at the corners.

“Two weeks ago, I didn’t even know you had a sister.” He directed the words at Leila. Though she and Jasmine wore their hair the same way, were exactly the same height, and were technically—and practically—identical, he knew immediately which was which.

Which, she had to admit, gave her a little thrill.

“Now I find out you’re a twin.”

“You did not tell him?” Jasmine spoke from the kitchen. “I think I am insulted.”

Before Leila could come up with a defense, Michael said, “Don’t be. She hasn’t told me anything about her past.”

“Whereas you have been nothing but forthright with me.” She infused humor into her tone, hoping not to reignite last night’s argument.

“Touché.”