Page 51 of Stiletto's Savior

“Look, I get it, you’re worried about her,” Bull says, voice low but firm. “But she needs you strong right now. She doesn’t need ya spiraling in the lobby like a damn lunatic.”

“Strong?” I laugh, bitterly. “What does that even mean if I can’t protect her? I can’t protect her from the demons in her mind.”

“Sometimes we don’t see how bad people are hurting on the inside. It isn’t your fault, Miles.” Cheyenne urges. “She was struggling and thank God you found her. All you can do right now is be strong for her.”

“I feel like I failed her,” I admit, emotions rolling through me. “She told us all to leave, but what if it was because she had planned this? What if she didn’t want us to find her in time?”

“Then it’s good you stayed, isn’t it?” Siren’s voice is sharp. It silences me. “You didn’t fail anyone. She was hurting. That’s not on you.”

I run a hand over my face, the stubble rough under my palm. “Why do I feel like I’m losing her?”

“Because you love her.” Bull’s tone softens. “And that matters. Just hold onto that love, because I doubt things are going to be easy right out of the gate.”

Time stretches, each second dragging painfully.

I glance back at the double doors, wishing I could burst through them, demanding answers.

All I can do is stand here, heart in my throat, hoping… praying she’s okay.

CHAPTER TWELVE

Stiletto

I stare at the stark white walls, the smell of antiseptic stinging my nose.

The rhythmic beeping of the heart monitor fills the silence, a constant reminder I’m still here.

I’m alive.

How the fuck did this happen?

I roll onto my side, the sheets rustling beneath me.

The sterile smell of antiseptic clings to everything.

I can’t escape it. My heart races, pounding against the confines of my chest.

Outside my window, snowflakes drift lazily down, blanketing the world in white.

It’s beautiful. Almost peaceful. But the sight only deepens the ache inside me. I turn away, eyes squeezing shut.

“Just stop,” I mutter, but the memories flood back like a tidal wave.

The darkness. The fear. The pain. I can’t fucking breathe.

“Why did Miles have to find me? Why couldn’t he just let it be?”

I take a deep breath, focusing on the snow again.

It glistens, reflecting the twinkling lights of Christmas decorations strung up outside.

A bright red bow on a nearby tree catches my eye.

I scoff at the irony.

They’re celebrating while I’m here, trapped in a hospital bed.

“Christmas cheer,” I snarl, rolling back over to face the wall. “What a joke.”

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