“That’s unfair. How can you tell me that now?” I cried, the tears relentless.
“Because I needed you to find love on your own. I couldn’t have you settling just for my sake. His breath came out short raspy pants. He closed his eyes, his grip tight on my hand.
“Zayne, please.”
“I need you to leave now, Miss. Please.”
I turned to the male nurse behind me. “He is going to be all right, isn’t he?”
The man’s expression remained blank, but his eyes spoke a thousand words. He couldn’t make that promise to me. I looked at Zayne once more.
He opened his eyes again and smiled. “I need to see Trent, Rika.” He looked at the nurse. “Please let him in, it’s important.” The nurse nodded. “Go get him, angel.”
I did.
Trent
IGLANCED UP AS ASHRIKAcame running down the passage. Shooting up from my seat, I caught her in my arms. She collapsed against my chest, her sobs uncontrolled. “What’s wrong, Ash?” I held her tight.
She leaned back, her red-rimmed eyes searching mine. “He’s dying, Trent. He’s leaving me.”
Fuck.My wistfulness dropped like an anvil, and all that was left was anger.He can’t fucking die.I reined it in. “I’m sorry, sweetheart.” My fists clenched at her back, squeezing hard as though I could wipe away her pain.
“He wants to see you,” her voice cracked on the words.
“Let’s go.”
She stepped back, shaking her head. “He wants to see you alone.”
“Are you going to be okay?” After she nodded. I wiped her tears with my palms and kissed her brow. “He’s going to be fine, sweetheart.” Her silent gaze roved over my face, and I wished to God my words hadn’t lacked conviction just to ease her pain. Together we walked back to his room. She clasped my hand tight just before I opened the door. I glanced back at her, turned, and pulled her into an embrace, caressing the back of her head a moment longer. “Better?” When she nodded, I kissed the top of her head and released my hold.
“Trent?” She stopped me. I looked at her. “I love you.” I blinked, not sure I heard right. “I love you,” she whispered again, and every inch of my body tingled.
I wasn’t sure if it was the right moment to be happy. But I was. I took a step closer to her. “I love you too.”
She palmed my cheek. “If you’re wondering why now it’s because I screamed it out before you raced off at Incognito. I wasn’t sure you’d heard me. I needed to say it again, just to make sure. He found a friend in you. Let him see it.”
