Page 24 of The Heat of Intensity

“Big mistake,” Murphy snarls.

His body shifts but I don’t see what’s coming until there’s a burning heat on the right side of my face from being backhanded.

Murphy holds the knife against my throat once more and snarls, “Stop fighting me or I’ll knock you back out again. You’re mine and I don’t care what I have to do to make you realize it. There is no way out for you other than death and I’m not ready to kill you just yet.”

“Well, I’m ready to kill you now,” Parker states from somewhere while at the same time, the sound of a gunshot cracks through the air.

The knife falls from Murphy’s hand, his body crumbling down to the ground along with it. I start to struggle against the restraints on my arms and legs. I feel as if I can’t breathe and my head is throbbing, ready to explode in a splitting headache. Black spots enter the only vision I have left and I can feel myself slip away into the darkness.

“Cosima, please, open your eyes, baby, please.” Parker’s torn voice sounds muffled.

I want to open my eyes but can’t find the strength so instead I get sucked right back into oblivion.

Faintly, I hear Parker’s voice once again. “She could be pregnant, how would the ketamine affect her and the fetus then? And when the fuck will she wake up? She suffered a concussion weeks ago and she also lost eyesight in her right eye. Can you please double-check if everything with her left eye is still okay or something that gives me the knowledge she won’t lose more than she already had.”

I know exactly what drives him to ask. Though, lying here, unable to open my eyes but hearing the desperation and fear for my well-being in his voice? It makes me thankful to know we’re still here, breathing and able to touch and feel one another.

“Parker,” I croak, my voice raw and hoarse.

I feel his big, strong, callused hand cover mine. “I’m right here, baby.”

Trying again, I barely manage to blink a few times and relief hits me when I can see Parker clearly with my left eye.

“You found me,” I whisper, still stunned they managed to do so.

Parker leans in and brushes his lips against my forehead. “I had help. Decker brought Sadie’s search and rescue dog. The dog kept barking at the back of the stables, but we couldn’t figure out why.”

My sister’s face comes into view behind Parker. “That creepy fucker built an extra wall to create a space where he’s lived ever since they renovated the stables. Ugh, I’m ready to burn the stables down again and build it back up with my own damn hands. Great way to blow trust to smithereens with actions like that. I really hate people.”

I wince at the volume of her voice.

“Keep it down,” Parker grumbles. “She has a concussion…again, and needs to rest.”

“I wholeheartedly agree,” a man with a white coat states. “Visiting hours are over and Miss Hazel needs her rest.”

I glance at my sister. “Please don’t burn down the stables. Removing the double wall, yes, but don’t let one idiot fuck up shit for all of us.”

Eastlynne huffs out a frustrated breath. “Fine. Maybe I’ll move in with Rourke and let you and Parker live on the ranch. Enough room to go around and balance between ranches.”

Rourke chuckles. “We’ll talk about this shit later. Let your sister get some rest.” He pats my leg. “Hope you’re back on your feet sooner this time.”

The corner of my mouth twitches. “I’ll try.”

They leave the room and the doctor is looking expectantly at Parker, probably wanting him to follow the others out the door.

“I don’t give a fuck what you think, say, or do, but I’m not leaving my old lady, and soon-to-be wife ever again,” Parker states with a deadly tone that leaves no room for arguments.

The doctor releases a deep sigh. “Very well. Your earlier concerns along with the way you handled her sister just now give me the impression you will make sure her care and well-being come first. Now, to answer your earlier questions. The ketamine is leaving her body and the blood tests showed her level of HCG is considered negative for pregnancy. As I said, she has a mild concussion and needs rest. With her recent medical issues, we will monitor her overnight and will have her release papers ready come morning if all goes well.”

“Thank you,” I croak and try to sit up.

Parker gently places his hand over my shoulder. “Don’t try to sit up. Relax and try to get some sleep.”

The doctor is grinning behind Parker when I give my old man a grumpy look.

“I can see everything is under control here,” the doctor states and I ignore the rest of his words as he excuses himself and leaves the room.

Once we’re alone I whisper, “You killed him.”

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