Opening my eyes, I can barely see through two little slits. My face is swollen, and my skin is impossibly tight. My back is killing me, and my ribs hurt like hell.
Did I mention the migraine?
And the stupid beeping sounds?
Taking in my surroundings, everything hits me at once.
I was kidnapped by my ex-husband and his uncle. They beat the living shit out of me.
Gabriel saved me.
Oh, God.
I’m a murderer.
I killed Brian.
Lying perfectly still to minimize my pain, I wait for the regret and remorse to kick in. I should feel bad for taking another person’s life, right?
I don’t.
He would’ve killed me if Gabriel and Eric hadn’t shown up. It was bad enough he stole years of my life while we were married. To come back, trying to blackmail my boyfriend, and almost kill me?
I have no regrets.
The door to my hospital room opens and Gabriel steps in, closing it quietly. He’s holding a cup of coffee as he turns to look at me.
“Hi.” I croak.
“Thank God. I’ve been losing my mind.” He sits the cup on the table, taking a seat in the chair beside my bed. “How are you feeling? What do you need? I’ll get whatever you want. Well, Eric will because there’s no way in hell I’m leaving you.” He lifts my hand gently, laying it in his palm.
“Water and morphine.”
He watches me for a moment, and my eyes trace every worry line etched into his face.
He looks terrible.
Still gorgeous, but terrible.
I know he’s been here with me the entire time. Even with his unruly hair and wrinkly clothes, he’s the most beautiful man I’ve ever seen.
He reaches for a pitcher of water on the table, pouring it into a glass. He opens the drawer, pulling out a straw. Carefully, he guides his hand behind my head, lifting me as the straw meets my lips. Gulping down the cool liquid, my throat is grateful for the lubrication. He waits patiently as I take my fill, and after finishing the glass, he lowersmy head back to the pillow.
He gazes at me for a long moment before he speaks. “I’m so sorry, baby. The way I handled everything was wrong. Even though I was trying to protect you, I never should’ve left you. I hurt us both because I didn’t know what to do. You’re my life, Brooke. I love you so fucking much.” He lowers his head, kissing my hand softly. “They took you and hurt you. It’s all my fault. Can you ever forgive me?”
“Look at me, Gabriel.”
He lifts his head slowly, his eyes full of sadness.
“No one should ever have to experience what we went through. I never would’ve thought our pasts would collide the way they did. I forgive you for leaving me. You thought you were doing the right thing, even though you were wrong. Being kidnapped and assaulted is not on you. You saved me, Gabe. That’s all that matters.” Unable to smile, I squeeze his hand the best I can for reassurance.
A single tear slides down his cheek, and the sight breaks my heart. After everything that’s happened, I know this man loves me, and he would do anything in his power to keep me safe.
“You saved me, Gabriel. That’s all that matters.” I repeat, squeezing his hand again.
His eyes dart to my lips, and I’d give anything to kiss him right now. “I should’ve got the doctor as soon as you woke up. I’m sorry. You’ve been unconscious for three days. As selfish as it sounds, I needed a few minutes with you.”
I’ve been asleep for three days?
