I knew that.
I could see it in all of the machines and the undisturbed way she slept. And yet, I kept checking. Over and over and over again. Because my body couldn’t catch up. The tension sat heavily in my chest. Everything was tight and uncomfortable. My foot tapped against the floor with restless energy.
Inhale…
I had to do something, or I’d fall apart right there.
Exhale…
I couldn’t do that.Not in front of her.
I carefully slipped my trembling hand from hers and stood. I hovered for a second to watch her chest rise and fall, making sure it was still steady.
“I’ll be right back,” I said, my voice rough in my throat. “Keep an eye on her, please?”
Maverick said… something.I just assumed yes.It was about the only comfort I had as I made my way stiff-legged to the bathroom. I eased the door shut behind me. The second it clicked, anxiety slammed into me like a fucking truck.
My hands braced against the sink as my head dropped forward, my breath catching in my throat. My chest tightened so fast it felt like it was caving in on itself while my heart slammed violently against my ribs.
Inhale…
Exhale…
The air stopped short like my lungs had forgotten how to work.
“Fuck…” I choked out.
The room tilted, and I crouched, clinging to the sink for dear life.
Inhale…
Exhale…
My vision blurred at the edges as the panic increased, overwhelming and unbearable. A pathetic sound escaped me.
My fingers tightened around the sink as I tried to ground myself—tried to pull myself out of it before it got worse.
Inhale…
Exhale…
Images flashed through my mind. Things I didn’t want to remember.
Aria gasping.
Her face swollen.
Her hands clawing at the table.
Inhale…
Exhale…
A sob tore through me that I tried to choke down. Tried to hold in. Tried to keep silent.
She could’ve died.
That single thought screamed on repeat in my mind.
