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“Bad?” he whisper-shouts. “You brought me a woman bathed in blood.”
“It wasn’t her blood.”
“We noticed. She only had a few scratches. Still, this is bad.”
My heart pounds in my chest, and all the air whooshes out of my lungs. I can’t lose her. “You mean she might not—”
“Fuck, are you listening? We admitted a Jane Doe. You’re lucky Dr. Darren Russell-Aldridge understands the whole being discreet thing. The neurologist reminded us that things happen, but if they think she’s in danger, they won’t release her to you.”
I arch an eyebrow. “Could we add them to the directory of doctors—”
Heath exhales, frustrated. “Are you fucking kidding me?”
“No. We’re always looking for doctors that can help us in case of emergencies.”
“So, who is this woman? And is she safe with you?” he asks, ignoring my question.
“Of course she’s safe with me.” I try to hide my annoyance. “I don’t understand why you won’t believe me.”
He scoffs. “You don’t have a great track record.”
“Just because I suck as a brother, it doesn’t mean I can’t take care of other people. I’m a former SEAL. I protect people.”
He rolls his eyes and stops in front of one of the examination rooms. “We’re getting ready to take her to the OR. Be fast.”
I glance at him. “Are you seriously going to watch this interaction?”
“Yep.”
As I step into the room, my heartbeat quickens, and my breath becomes shallower. I’ve been dreading this moment since I heard the news. Yet, here I am, finally facing it.
The room is brighter than I expected. The white walls seem to take away its gloominess, while the window brings a glimpse of the outside world. And there, in the middle of the room, lay Piper, looking fragile and tiny against the backdrop of the large hospital bed.
I hesitate a moment and then I take a few steps forward and reach out tentatively to touch her hand. Her skin is cool to the touch, and I can feel the steady rhythm of her heartbeat beneath my fingers. As I look at her, I feel a wave of emotions wash over me. Did I do this?
I fucking told her to stay in New York, didn’t I?
But if there’s something I’ve learned in all these years it’s that you can’t tell Piper Cooperson what to do. She prides herself on being independent.
“Hey,” I greet her. “Are you okay, baby?”
She blinks several times, then looks around the bright, sterile room. Her focus is on the machines and equipment she’s hooked up to.
“How’s Teddy?” she asks, her voice a faint whisper.
“She’s safe.” I gently brush the hair off her forehead before leaning in to kiss it. “Sorry I didn’t get there on time.”
Will she forgive me for letting this happen? Fuck, I almost lost her. Just thinking about those moments… It all feels like a nightmare. And now, here I am, standing by her side, feeling helpless.
“I thought I was going to die,” she mumbles. “Thank you for… thank you.”
What can I say? It wasn’t me who saved her, but I should have protected her. The guilt and regret are suffocating, making it hard to breathe.
I know I have to be strong for her and myself. I can’t lose her. She’s an essential part of me—she owns a piece of my heart. I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure she gets the help she needs. I’ll be here for her… but can I physically be here for her?
The Zs are threatening her family. What should I do, split myself into a million pieces to keep everyone safe?
I reach out and gently take her hand, feeling a twinge of regret. “You have nothing to thank me for. I wish I could’ve prevented it.”
