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“And if he does,” Elliot adds, “we’ll make sure what’s left of his life isn’t worth living.”
It’s not until Raine is in the back of the ambulance and the paramedics who have been working on her hop into the back that I force my legs to move.
“I’m coming with you,” I demand, racing toward them.
“Oh, I’m sorry, sir. There isn’t—”
“Tough,” I grunt, hauling myself into the back of the vehicle. “She doesn’t have anyone else. I’m not leaving.”
I don’t need to look at either of them to know they’re having a silent conversation over my head as I drop down beside Raine and rest my hand over her cold, bloody one.
“It’s going to be okay, sunshine. I’m here. I’m right fucking here.”
“Sir, she needs—”
“Her name is Raine. Raine Storm.” I glance out of the doors as the wind blows spray from the rain inside. “She’s been in the system all her life. She doesn’t have any family. Please,” I beg. “I’m all she’s got. And… and I l-love her.”
It’s pathetic. I am pathetic. But I don’t care. There’s no fucking way I’m letting her do this alone.
“Theo, we’ll follow, okay? We’re right behind you,” Elliot shouts as the three of them race toward his car.
The paramedic’s eyes land on me and I swallow thickly. “You had better not get in the way,” she warns.
“You won’t even know I’m here,” I promise before turning back to Raine. “Everything is going to be okay, baby. You’ll be partying at the Chapel with us again before you know it.”
“Take a seat over there,” the paramedic says, pointing to a small fold-down seat.
Reluctantly, I release my hold on Raine and do as I’m told.
I might not like it, but fuck if I’m getting my arse kicked to the curb when my girl needs me most.
* * *
“It’s been hours,” I complain, pacing back and forth through the waiting room.
By the time I was shoved out here by the paramedic whose patience with my interfering had run out, the girls had arrived.
Millie ran full speed, launching herself into my arms before sobbing into the crook of my neck.The others all huddled around, forming a massive group hug which allowed me to cry with my sister without feeling like a zoo exhibit.
“It’s barely been an hour,” Millie points out, sounding exhausted despite the fact she’s right about how much time has passed. “They said it could take a while.”
“We’re still mostly in the dark about what’s wrong with Raine. All we know is that she’s okay, but she needed emergency surgery. They won’t give us any details. The only person they’re willing to talk to is her social worker and she’s not here yet. Nor is Christian, who I hope will be able to better convince them that I’m the one they need to talk to.
Fuck the social worker.
Fuck the rules.
Raine is my girl and I’m the one who’s going to be there putting her back together.
It’s another ten minutes of pacing before familiar faces walk through the doors.
“Dad,” Liv cries.
“Christian, please.” I rush over to him. “They won’t talk to me. I have no idea what’s going on. She’s in surgery and—”
“Theo, it’s going to be okay,” Fiona says softly, placing a hand on my upper arm and squeezing gently as Christian makes a beeline for the reception desk.
A handful of terse words are exchanged before Christian nods and turns back to us.“Raine is currently in recovery, you’ll be able to go and see her in a few minutes,” he says to me.
