Page 203 of Off Limits Mogul

Inside, we make short work of navigating the hallways to where Shane and Collin are waiting for us.

I fucking hate hospitals.

Painful memories wash over me as a pang of panic hits me. The feeling spikes, engulfing me at an alarming rate. The floor feels like it’s about to cave in. My step falters and I brace myself against a wall, gripping it for dear life, as everything seems to disappear around me.

Goddammit.

“Rhys?”

Incapable of answering Piers, I clamp a hand against my chest as I struggle to breathe.

Shit.

“Memories of your dad?” Piers says.

I nod.

I can’t form words.

Piers comes and stands in front of me, and places a comforting hand on my shoulder. “You’re not the same man. You’re not going to go down that path again. You’re more equipped to handle difficult situations. You’re not going to slide. I won’t let you. Neither will your mother or your friends.”

I nod again.

I’m too choked up to talk.

“I’d worry more about Noah than a relapse. Your best friend won’t hesitate to carry your ass––fireman style over his shoulder––right back to rehab.”

I laugh a little.

I stand up straight.

“Your girl needs you,” Piers says.

“I’m good. Thanks for being here.”

“Don’t mention it.”

The last time I set foot in a hospital was after my dad had suffered from a heart attack. He spent many days in a coma. As he was fighting for his life, I was getting high. I refused to believe my superhero of a dad might not be invincible. If I got fucked up, I wouldn’t be able to feel.

Then, one morning, Dad flatlined. The doctors tried to resuscitate him, but it was in vain. I was at an overnight binge party––one that involved copious amounts of booze, drugs, fucking, and watching others fuck––somewhere in Bel Air, when he passed away. I’m still sick to my stomach at the way I dealt with that traumatic episode in my life.

I’m ill-prepared to be here, but Piers is right. I have to suck it up for my girl.

Shane and Collin jump to their feet when we enter the waiting room. The somber expression on their faces eats a hole in my chest.

“What is it?” I don’t bother with greetings.

“They just took her to the operating room,” Shane says.

Collin pats my shoulder. “She’s getting the care she needs.”

“Thanks for being there for her. I owe you guys.”

“That’s what friends do,” Collin says. “If you can’t be there for your girl, it’s our duty to step in.”

I nod.

The Dennison brothers are known for their unwavering loyalty. This is another example.