She’s talking.
Lettie’s eyes are red from crying, but she smiles at me. “Mercs, I came out so you can go in.”
My heart slams hard against my ribs, once, twice, and then continues its heavy rhythm.
“Donny’s still with her. We didn’t want her alone. But once you’re in, he’ll step out so Alana can go next.”
I glance at Alana, who is grinning through tears while she nods at me.
I don’t wait.
I move fast down the hall, sanitizing my hands without really seeing what I’m doing. When the ICU doors slide open, I slow just outside her area, catching sight of Donny standing by the bed.
For a second, I stop.
Not because I’m unsure.
But because I need to steady myself.
She’s alive. She’s awake. That alone is enough to undo me before I step inside.
Donny turns, offering me a tired smile. “Hey, kid. She’s been asking for you.”
Relief nearly buckles my knees.
I step around him and finally see my girl.
No ventilator.
Her green eyes are open.
She looks pale, exhausted, but she’s there.
She’s here.
Her gaze lands on me, and that slow, familiar smile spreads across her face. “Hey.” Her voice is raspy, fragile.
I take her hand carefully, emotion hitting me hard enough to make my chest ache. My fingers lace with hers, and the connection sends a jolt through me, enough to ground me.
“Hey, baby,” I murmur, brushing a stray strand of hair from her cheek. “You scared the hell out of me.”
“I scared myself too,” she says softly, lifting her hand to press mine more firmly against her face.
Donny leans down and kisses the top of her head. “I’ll give you two a minute before I send Alana in. Love you, baby girl.” He squeezes her leg gently and steps out.
I drag the chair closer and sit beside her, refusing to let go of her hand.
“I’m so s-sorry, Kaden,” she whispers, her voice breaking.
“Don’t you dare.”
“I took a drink from him,” she says quietly. “I don’t remember much, but I know that part. I should have known better.”
“Stop.” My grip tightens just slightly. “No one thought he was capable of that. I knew he was trouble, but not that. Not this.”
She swallows. “Was he going to…”
I shake my head firmly. “He didn’t get the chance. I found you, and you collapsed. Everything went to hell after that. He gave you too much, and your small body couldn’t handle it.”
