Fuck if I wont try, though.
I want to get back to a good place, a safe space between the two of us so that when I do tell him how much I love him, he’ll believe me wholeheartedly.
“You’d make a six-hour round trip just to see me?” He asks, his glassy, deep mocha eyes imploring.
I nod, my brows drawing together. He has to know what he means to me, doesn’t he? “And more, Ri. You’re worth every minute of travel and I’d do it again and again with a smile on my face.” I reach over and lace my fingers through his, squeezing gently before encapsulating his hand within both of mine. “You’re everything, Riley Benjamin Graves. No force on earth could keep me from getting to you.”
I try to shove down the knot of anxiety that’s currently balling itself in my gut at the thought of being away from Riley so soon. Panic sets in as my mind gets sucked into the void and my surroundings start to fade. The look on his face as he watches me slip away confirms as much. He says my name, but everything sounds as if it’s underwater, and suddenly, I’m right back in that bloody trunk.
Voices shout around me, but I can’t tell which direction they’re coming from. Two trembling hands cup my face as a familiar, clean scent washes over me. I take a deep breath, inhaling his scent that feels like home and my racing heart instantly calms.
“That’s it, Snow,come back to me,” the voice calls. Who is he talking to?
Me.
I’m his Snow.
“That’s right, baby.MySnow.”Soft lips meet my forehead. “See me.”
I suck in a breath at the familiarity of the phrase. Creed must have taught it to him.
“Feel me,” I rasp, feeling for his face and cradling his jaw.
“I am real,” we both whisper, and it’s like the black fog that had settled over my mind dissipates in an instant.
Riley’s handsome face materializes before me, and something settles within my soul. But that calming feeling quickly morphs when I see his features twisted in pain that he’s trying to hide.
Asher and a frowning Nurse Jo are standing behind him where he sits next to me on the edge of the bed.
On the edge of the bed.
Not in the chair.
It hits me then, why Jo looks livid. Riley had thrown himself out of the chair to get to my side. Guilt instantly twists my insides, and I realize in this exact moment that he has to go to this facility.
Away from me.
I’ve just proven that he would do anything to help me, even if that means sacrificing his healing and progress to get to me fast enough. Riley winces when he adjusts his seated position, and it just drives the stake of guilt even deeper into my chest.
“Riley, I’m so sorry.” I reach for him and he takes my hand, kissing the tips of my fingers.
“Never apologize, I’m glad I was here.”
“You should’ve called for help, Mr. Graves,” Jo, who had been nothing but kind to me since the beginning, says curtly before she cuts me a glare as if this is entirely my fault. She quickly schools her features, but the hard edge to her tone remains. “Miss Weston, I believe it’s best if you return to your own room. At least long enough for me to look over his woundsand discuss his care plan. Chrissy will come by shortly for vitals, and to go over the plan for discharge and therapy referrals.”
Her curt dismissal feels like a slap in the face. I know Creed would have some colorful choice words for her, but I can’t fathom causing issues for Riley. So, holding my breath, I nod.
Asher crosses the room and offers his hand to help me stand. I take it, then turn around to glance back at Riley. He looks nervous at the thought of me being asked to leave. His soulful eyes practically beg me to stay, but instead of giving in, I give him the best smile I can manage.
“I’ll see you in a few,” I whisper, reaching out to caress his jawline with the backs of my fingers. His eyes slip closed as he tilts his head up in a sweet, silent request. My heart tumbles over itself and I’m all too happy to oblige.
Bending down, I press my lips against his, kissing him softly and butterflies take flight deep within my belly when he hums appreciatively.
“Everything,”I reiterate against his lips so only he can hear.
His ebony eyes glitter as he soaks in the weight of the singular word. He smiles against my lips, “Text me if you need me between now and then,”
Riley’s eyes track me when I turn to meet Asher who waits patiently behind me, looking literally anywhere else but at us.
