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“I always love to meet a fan,” Jenner said. “I’m sorry we were so loud. We’re just upset that our friend nearly drowned. Perhaps I could go have a talk with the director about a healthy donation to your fine hospital? You’ve been taking such good care of my friend. And I’d be happy to sign autographs if anybody wants one, of course.”
“Oh my God. Everyone is going to be shocked when they see you.”
Their voices quietened and Maeve managed to get her eyes open. “W-what’s happening?”
Sampson, Immy, and Gray all turned to look at her.
“Where am I? What’s going on?” Fear flooded her, her pulse raced.
“Everything’s all right, Maeve,” Immy tried to reassure her, taking her hand. “You’re fine.”
“B-but what’s going on? Why am I here? Did someone say that I drowned?” Fear filled her. The sensation of not being able to breathe overwhelmed her.
“Maeve, you’re all right. Just breathe,” Sampson urged.
“You’re safe,” Immy added.
But she didn’t feel safe. She felt like she couldn’t breathe. She clawed at her throat. Why was it tightening up? Why couldn’t any oxygen get through?
Immy was suddenly lifted and gently put to one side.
“What the fuck? What are you doing?” Sampson snapped.
But Gray didn’t pay him any attention. Nope, all of his attention was for her. He placed a gentle hand on the front of her chest. “Girl, look at me.”
“I don’t like him calling her girl,” Sampson muttered. “Like he can’t fucking remember her name.”
“Hush, Sampson,” Immy said. “Let him see if he can help.”
“Why could he help her? Who the fuck is he?” Sampson asked.
“Her boyfriend, apparently,” Immy replied.
“Maeve doesn’t have boyfriends,” Sampson said.
“Listen to me, girl. Ignore them. You’re going to breathe, understand me? No, no. Don’t you dare look away. You’re going to be a good girl and listen to me. You want to be my good girl, don’t you, Maeve?”
She nodded. She wanted that so much, but her lungs were starting to burn and she was scared.
“Then listen to me. Do as you are told and breathe.” He took hold of her hand and held it to her chest. “You’re just having a panic attack. You can breathe. Just concentrate on what you can feel and see and hear. In. Hold. Out. Breathe.”
It was as though her body didn’t dare disobey him. She managed a gasping breath. It was small and unsatisfactory, but also a huge relief.
He gave her a nod of approval. “I knew you wanted to be my good girl.”
She didn’t know why he was saying that. He’d never talked to her this way before. But that didn’t matter right now. Because all she wanted was to take another breath and have him look at her with that shining approval in his gaze.
Jenner walked back into the room. “What’s going on?”
“Shh,” Immy said. “This guy is working his magic on Maeve. And it’s beautiful.”
Immy could be crazy sometimes.
“Another breath, girl. No, listen to me. Don’t be naughty. That’s it. In. Hold. Out. And again.”
She frowned. Why didn’t she get a good girl that time?
“No more good girls until you’ve settled down and are breathing properly.”
