Page 272 of If You Give an Artist a Killer Muse

“Let’s hope not,” I mutter, forcing a smile before turning to Briar. “In case something does happen, I want you to know that I—”

“Don’t talk to me as if you’re going to die.”

“Briar, I’m just being realistic. There’s a chance I might not make it.”

“Miracles can happen,” Briar says, her face wet with tears as she tries to wipe them away. “Besides, there’s a heart waiting for you already. What are the chances, right? I guess someone’s watching over you.” She adds.

I grin back, hope washing over me at this rare chance of another life. Both doctors left, leaving me and Briar alone in the room. She already informed our friends and my mum that I’m in the hospital, so we know they’re on their way.

I squeeze her hand, “I love you.”

“I love you so much, Rurik.”

“I promise I will do whatever it takes to return to you.”

“You fucking better, angel.” Briar teases, kissing me.

I cup her cheeks, keeping her still so I can eagerly have my fill of her taste and the feeling of her soft lips.

We stay like this for a while until the doctors come back in to get me.

“Ready?” Briar asks, looking hopeful yet nervous.

Oh, fuck. This is it. Man, I hope I'll make it. I have to. I will. There's no other option.

I kiss her fingers as they start to roll me away.

“Be right back,” I wink.

*-*-*-*

I’m dreaming. I’m pretty sure I am. I can hear muffled noises, but it’s unclear enough to understand what is being said. I’m looking around me, and holy fucking shit, it’s so bright out.

“Well. I can’t say I would have approved of you for her, but oh well. My darling knows what she wants.”

I whirl around, my eyes squinting. “Huh?”

I see a silhouette of a tall, slim figure. I can’t see their features. Everything is foggy and blurry here. This is starting to freak me the fuck out, actually. Where’s Briar, and why isn’t she here with me?

Oh, fuck… The surgery!

I need to wake up. I need to hold my Briar and smell her delicious scent so I can dream of her instead of this freakishly tall alien.

The alien-tall-silhouette snorts.

Fucking snorts.

What the actual fuck—

“Hey there, sleepyhead,” I finally hear the most beautiful voice say.

My eyes slowly open, and I blink until my vision slowly focuses.

I’m… back? Am I awake?

I see Briar's face and stare at her. Even though there are dark bags under her eyes, and her lips look chap and dry, she's still so fucking beautiful.

“H-how did it go?” I ask, my voice sounding rough in my ears.

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