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I’m the only family Libby has. And I abandoned her today. For a man. Something I swore I’d never do.
Anger wars with my self-loathing and I don’t know which one will win.
“I’ll take care of it,” I assure the nurse. “Will she be okay?”
She nods and checks Libby’s vitals.
I walk through the corridors of the small hospital almost in a trance.
Dex’s voice reaches me before I see him. Arguing with someone in the lobby.
I stop.
If I wait, I won’t have to do or say a thing. Security will probably escort him out.
I’m so furious, the security guard might be the better option for Dex.
I step into the lobby.
“Emily!” Dex’s relieved voice somehow makes me feel so much worse. “What happened? Is Libby okay?”
“No, she’s not.”
He wraps his hand around my arm. “Where is she? What can I do for you?”
“Leave.”
“What?” He recoils as if I’d slapped him.
“Leave. You need to go.”
I can’t stop seeing the scratches on my sister’s face. How much they look like the blood on her face the night our parents were killed. I close my eyes, trying to separate the two events. But the memories return with a swiftness bordering on violence.
Finding Libby huddled in the closet.
Skinny little arms wrapped around her knees.
Speckles of dried blood splashed across her cheeks, nose, and forehead. So much blood, for a second, I thought she’d been shot too.
I wasn’t home to protect her that night.
Just like I wasn’t there when she needed me today.
CHAPTERFIFTY-FIVE
Dex
Not that long ago,I swore I’d never set foot in another hospital.
Once again, I feel responsible for the suffering of someone I care about.
I shouldn’t have pushed Emily into going up to the clubhouse. I should’ve waited. I’ve known all along she comes with responsibilities. Responsibilities I was all too happy to ignore to satisfy my selfish need to have Emily to myself for a few hours.
“Not every relationship is meant to last forever,” she whispers in a cold, monotone voice. “I can’t do this.”
She turns her head, staring down the long hallway.
“Emily.” I curl my hand around her arm, trying to force her to look at me.
