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The light in the room is harsh and bright, and it only adds to my sense of unease. I feel exposed and vulnerable under the fluorescent fixtures and long for a moment of darkness and privacy. There’s no one in the waiting room, but anyone can come in at any time. Derek isn’t back yet. How long has he been with Piper?
Did he leave the hospital because I failed him?
He’s the reason I saved Piper, right? Because Derek loves her. I couldn’t let them take her away from him. It has nothing to do with me, right? What name did he call me when he almost knocked me unconscious?
I rub a finger over my jawline, my mind racing in an attempt to remember. What was the name Derek mentioned and why did he seem so agitated?
I’ve only seen him that angry a handful of times, one of them being the time I was shot during a mission and nearly died.
A wave of dread washes over me as I think of the possibility of losing him—or her?
Could it be possible to lose them both?
But why do I care so much about DerekandPiper? Derek is understandable, but Piper?
Push all those emotions deep inside your mind, don’t let them in, or they might… I hold my head, stopping the words. Whose voice is that? It’s not mine. I freeze. Is it a memory?
I sink into one of the hard plastic chairs and bury my face in my hands, trying to calm my racing thoughts. What the fuck is happening to me?
But no matter how hard I try, I can’t shake the feelings of helplessness, sorrow, and pain.
They’re consuming me.
My mind is consumed with thoughts and emotions I never allow.
And when I close my eyes, all I see is Piper.
Piper and her gaze—all the emotions she held in just one look.
Too many fucking emotions.
The shock.
The hope.
The fear.
When our eyes connected, I wanted to assure her she’d be okay, that I would never allow anything to happen to her. But I couldn’t. Not when she might be the enemy and the reason I’m broken.
ChapterTwo
Derek
As I walk downthe corridors of the hospital, I can’t help but feel a sense of unease wash over me. The stench of chemicals is almost suffocating, and the constant beeping of machines and the low murmur of voices only add to the dread lingering in the air.
I can’t help but feel responsible for what happened to Piper. It wasn’t my fault, but if I had told her about the danger surrounding her and—I have to stop torturing myself with stupid thoughts. Knowing Piper, she wouldn’t have listened to me.
I try to push these ideas to the back of my mind as I make my way to where she’s at. She can’t see me losing my shit. Not when she needs me to be strong for her.
“You expect me to believe that she’s safe with you?” Heath Spearman asks as he scans his ID and opens yet another set of doors. This place is a fucking maze, just like my heart. I’m lost and hoping someone can take me to the right person.
But I have to focus on the now. “She’s safe with me.” I glare at him.
He scoffs. “Well, one of the doctors offered to call a security company to protect her from you.”
It’s hard not to roll my eyes. This kid drives me crazy, but he’s good at what he does. Also, he’s Benedict’s best friend. Heath and his family have been the best thing that could have happened to my brother, and I’m grateful for him. If, after he saves Piper, he tells me to erase his number, I will, but I hope we don’t lose him.
“Listen, I understand this looks bad, but—”
