Page 252 of If You Give an Artist a Killer Muse

“Briar,” Rurik swallows hard and tries to sit up but winces.

“Don’t,” I warn him. “You need to take it easy from now on.”

“Then come here, baby.” He says, his voice softening. He offers me his hand, staring at me.

I’m fighting so hard not to take it. God, if only he knows how much I want to forget everything and stay with him. I don’t take his hand, but I lean forward and kiss his Adam’s apple. He immediately wraps a hand around my wrist, trying to tug me to him.

“Rurik—”

“Stop it,” He snaps. “Stop whatever the fuck this is, Briar. Come here. Now.”

“No.”

“I swear to fuck, if you don’t get your ass over here right now, I will—”

“Pussycat.”

Rurik freezes at the safe word. “You’re abusing that word, baby.”

“We’re done,” I say, my eyes stinging. “I need you to focus on recovering, okay? Stay healthy so you'll live better when they find a new heart for you.”

But he’s shaking his head furiously, his eyes flashing with anger and moisture. “Don’t you fucking dare, Briar.”

“I’m so sorry for all the stress I’ve given you—”

“We’ve been through hell and back,” Rurik interrupts. “After everything we’ve been through? We’re endless, remember?”

I quickly wipe a tear threatening to leave the corner of my eyes as I shake my head.

Panic flashes through Rurik’s features, and I look away because I know I’ll just throw myself at him if I keep looking. After all, I’m that weak when it comes to him.

“Briar, please,” Rurik pleads, “if this is because of Philip, I’ll tell him to fuck off.”

“It’s not just him, angel—”

“Is it because of all those times I kept pushing you away?” He interrupts. His voice becoming more hurried and distressed, “I’m so sorry. I will never do that again. I choose you, remember? I’m yours, understand? Completely yours. And you’re mine too, so you can’t just decide to leave without including me in that choice!”

I press the call button on the wall next to his bed.

Rurik pales and shouts as I turn away. “Briar! Don’t you fucking dare do this!”

His doctor and nurses start filling his room, ignoring me as Rurik continues shouting and thrashing from their hold.

“Please don’t hurt him,” I whimper as they try to calm him down.

“No, you’re fucking hurting me!” Rurik snaps at me. “Stay here with me, please. Please!”

I spot Nat by the door frame, her face white as a sheet as she stares at Rurik and me. When our eyes clash, she gives me a subtle nod toward Rurik as if to tell me to stay for him.

But I’m scared.

I’m so fucking scared.

Can’t they see that everything I touch ends up dead?

Amaura, my parents, and almost Rurik…

“It’s okay,” Nat mouths. “Stay.”

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