Blood. Dripping down her arms. Soaking her clothes. His vision a red haze of rage.
Oh God, no. More blood. Pumping out of her round belly.
Her agonizing screams echoed in his ears.
He hurt her.
He never wanted to hurther.
“What have I done?” Shame. Guilt. Utter sorrow washed through him.
He’d killed a baby.
Her baby.
Tears leaked from his eyes, down his cheeks, and drenched the hospital gown he wore.
He didn’t deserve to live. Not now. Not after what he’d done to her.
Trapped, he flailed in the bed, desperately trying to get free so he could end it. He didn’t deserve to live. Not after what he’d done to the woman he loved.
Brooke. His beautiful Brooke.
He spotted the bandages over his wrists, sat up, and tried to lean forward enough to bite them off.
Monitors shrieked.
The door flew open.
His father stood there, his mother behind and to the side of him.
She looked shocked and anguished. Sad. Lines wrinkling her forehead and around her tight lips.
His father looked pissed and horrified.
Can’t have this, can you, asshole?
What will people think?
How many votes will this cost you?
“Adam. Stop struggling,” his father commanded. Like his order, his rule, was law.
“Fuck you! Untie me and get out.” Adam pinned his mother in his gaze. “Why the fuck did you save me?”
“We love you,” his mother wailed, tears raining down her face.
“Bullshit. I’m nothing more than a prop.” Adrenaline cleared even more of the fog from his mind. “Where is she? Is she here? Is she alive? I need to see her. I need to tell her I’m sorry. I NEED TO SEE HER!”
A nurse burst in holding a syringe.
He leaned forward, his arms drawn tight by the restraints. “Don’t even fucking think of coming near me with that,” he snapped at the nurse, staring down his father. “You can make this happen. I need to see her.”
“Calm down.” His father eyed the nurse. Then Adam again. The silent message:Not in front of witnesses.He cocked his head at the nurse. “Please excuse us. We’d like to be alone with our son.”
The nurse hesitated but ultimately followed his order and scurried out.
Adam wondered what fucked-up tale he’d told everyone about what happened tonight. “Is she alive?” She had to be alive.Please.
