Page 177 of Body Checked & Pucked

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I prepare myself. In case this guy is… gone.

I reach down and jam my fingers into the side of his neck, looking for a pulse.

There’s a pulse. A strong pulse too.

Meaning this guy isn’t going to die tonight.

As long as he stays face down. And just sleeps.

I take my fingers away and stand there, looking down at Ward.

I never liked the guy. Ever.

Maybe some of it was a little bit of jealousy because I always thought Mila was cute as hell. But I knew something was off about the guy.

This mess right here?

Mila didn’t need this mess. She didn’t deserve it.

She was pre-med looking to get into medical school and have a good life.

I’m not sure where that placed me in her life, but I wasn’t the one face down in vomit.

I check on Mila again.

Sleeping peacefully.

I lean down, not sure if it matters or not, but I whisper to her, “He’s fine.”

I then choose the in between space.

So I’m kind of near Mila.

And I can kind of keep an eye on Ward.

I sit up against a wall and put my head back and shut my eyes.

I’m well aware it’s going to be a bad night of sleep, but that’s okay.

Mila needs me. I’m here.

I actually fall asleep quickly.

When my eyes pop open again, Mila stands in front of me.

I quickly climb to my feet, blinking fast.

My neck hurts but I ignore the pain.

“Hey,” I say. “What time is it?”

“It’s morning,” she says.

“Morning? Wow.” I look over my shoulder. “Let me go check on him. Just stay here.”

Mila grabs for me. “Jax. Thank you.”

I don’t respond.

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