I prepare myself. In case this guy is… gone.
I reach down and jam my fingers into the side of his neck, looking for a pulse.
There’s a pulse. A strong pulse too.
Meaning this guy isn’t going to die tonight.
As long as he stays face down. And just sleeps.
I take my fingers away and stand there, looking down at Ward.
I never liked the guy. Ever.
Maybe some of it was a little bit of jealousy because I always thought Mila was cute as hell. But I knew something was off about the guy.
This mess right here?
Mila didn’t need this mess. She didn’t deserve it.
She was pre-med looking to get into medical school and have a good life.
I’m not sure where that placed me in her life, but I wasn’t the one face down in vomit.
I check on Mila again.
Sleeping peacefully.
I lean down, not sure if it matters or not, but I whisper to her, “He’s fine.”
I then choose the in between space.
So I’m kind of near Mila.
And I can kind of keep an eye on Ward.
I sit up against a wall and put my head back and shut my eyes.
I’m well aware it’s going to be a bad night of sleep, but that’s okay.
Mila needs me. I’m here.
I actually fall asleep quickly.
When my eyes pop open again, Mila stands in front of me.
I quickly climb to my feet, blinking fast.
My neck hurts but I ignore the pain.
“Hey,” I say. “What time is it?”
“It’s morning,” she says.
“Morning? Wow.” I look over my shoulder. “Let me go check on him. Just stay here.”
Mila grabs for me. “Jax. Thank you.”
I don’t respond.