“No, not...”I try to lick my dry lips but my mouth is dry too.“I’m going to pass...to...”
The last thing I hear is him cursing into the car, but it’s the pressure on my chest that I feel before I everything goes black.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SIX
Reid
My pulse hasn’t stoppedracing since I heard my girlfriend and sister screaming whilst I could do nothing but listen.I don’t know how Jaxon is still Jaxon after what he heard with Lily.Despite knowing Summer and Paisley are okay, my brain is still conjuring up horrific images, it’s tricking me into seeing other possible outcomes of the incident.If it wasn’t for her hand being clutched in mine, I would drown in those images.I would let the grief that has flooded my system keep me trapped.I would let loose the anger that has been simmering in the pit of my stomach since the nurse told me I couldn’t stay with her.
Summer and I aren’t family.We aren’t married.The nurse couldn’t possibly know Summer means more to me than any label they print or tick on a piece of paper.
Summer has changed me.Or I grew.Or maybe this entire time, I had just been waiting for her.I had been waiting for the woman who didn’t want me to change or tame me, and instead, gave me space to grow.Either way, the man I am today is because of her.I don’t even recognise the man I used to be.The guy who would fuck a chick in a supply cupboard, or get a blow-job at the back of a club or bar, feels like a lifetime ago.I have to remind myself that I was that person.I fucked women for a release or to pass the time.I remind myself to quieten the voice in my head that tells me I’ll hurt her.ThatReid would have hurt her.He would have flirted with any woman who paid him attention.This Reid only sees Summer.He only wants Summer.And I know I’ll never do anything to hurt her because I realised today, I would rather be tortured than ever cause her pain.I will spend forever proving to myself I deserve her.
The nurse didn’t know any of that.She didn’t understand the connection that tied Summer and I together.The only reason I didn’t lose my shit is because I knew it wouldn’t help Summer.She didn’t want me to leave her side any more than I did.She was already freaking out after waking up in an ambulance which is why she got sedated.She didn’t need to wake up again and witness me losing my shit.It’s why I sat in the waiting area, my gaze on the automatic doors, waiting for her parents to arrive.They would get me in there.
I thought for sure after this incident, they would change their minds about me, but they were just as concerned about me as they were Summer.They demanded to know why I wasn’t back there with her, when apparently Summer had come to and repeatedly asked for me.It had set me at ease, knowing soon I would be back near her side.I haven’t left her since.Not when her cousins came to check on her.Not when her sibling called.Or when they finally treated the small gash on her head.
Wyatt puts the car into park when we reach the farm, and that’s when I pull myself out of my thoughts.It is late, really late, and I’m beginning to feel it in my bones.“Why is Paisley not being dropped off at the bed and breakfast?”
Wyatt sighs as he turns the engine off.“She wants to find out if they found anything.She won’t be able to sleep until she knows.”
“She feels guilty for following him,” Summer rasps, sitting up from where she’s been leant on my shoulder.“She’s being hard on herself.”
I let out a tired breath, feeling it everywhere, and I wasn’t in the rolled over car.“Why don’t we go on in?Mum left early to make sure she had food ready for when we got back.”
Wyatt holds the door open whilst I stay beside Summer as she begins to slide out.He takes her hand, helping her out.I tense when I hear her groan.
“Maybe we should go straight to bed,” I offer in concern as I get out, closing the door behind me.
She takes my hand in hers again, her eyelids heavy when she blinks.“I’m okay, just a little stiff.My mouth is dry as hell too.”
Mum overhears.“I have some chamomile tea.I’ll get the kettle on.”
“Thanks, Mum,” I tell her, as Summer replies, “Thank you.”
I help her up the stairs to the house, and follow the low hum of voices in the living room.My brothers, except Isaac and the twins, are here lounging on one sofa.Liam and Maverick are looking through some papers laid out on the coffee table.Landon is lowering Paisley down on the biggest sofa, so Summer and I take the love seat nearest the door.Hunter joins us, lying cautiously at Summer’s feet.
