Page 155 of Ruthless Heir

“Just awful.”

“I’m sorry. I guess we never got to have that talk you wanted.”

“Josh, so help me God, if you say anything?—”

“I was wrong,” he says quickly. “I was so, so wrong. I met with Asher before we knew Nolan and Vito took you and we talked about you and him. I accepted your decision to be together, but of course I was still worried. Then I saw him push you out of the way to save you, and I knew he would do anything for you.” He pauses for a moment and brings his hand to his head. “It shouldn’t have taken a bullet for me to believe that. I should have done it just on his word. So, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have taken you away. I only made it easier for Nolan to get to you.”

I feel reassured at hearing his words, and I’m glad he accepts us. But all of that only matters if Asher pulls through.

“I understand why you did what you did.”

“But I overreacted and was such a jerk to my best friend. I’d be damn proud to see you with him, Harper. He has to pull through because there is no one better for you.”

He pulls me into his arms and holds me. There I try to find hope.

It’s night again. Everyone has come and gone throughout the day. The doctor has allowed us to spend more time with Asher now.

I’m not sure if that’s a good or bad thing, but I’ll take what I can get.

I’ve been sitting by his bedside for close to an hour. There are two more hours to go until visiting time is over.

His family are still around. They’ve been here all day too. Josh is sorting some stuff out, then he’ll be back.

I stare at Asher’s still form and attempt a smile just for show. I’ve been talking to him about everything and anything, hoping he’ll answer.

“I remember how mad you got when Jack first brought me home that day. I thought you were an asshole but deep down I loved how protective you were over me.” My breath hitches and I swallow hard. “I loved that you took such great care of me even though it seemed like I was annoyed. During those times you felt like mine. I wished you were.”

As I remember it all the memories become too much and my eyes fill with tears. I lay my head on the bed next to Asher’s hand and cover his hand with mine.

“Come back to me,” I whisper. “Come back to me, please. Please come back to me.”

I keep repeating those words as if they’re a magical spell, but nothing happens.

I lie there for almost another hour until I feel a soft grasp of my hand on the bed. It’s more like a tap than a squeeze. Like a heartbeat.

It takes me a moment to realize it’s Asher.

The sudden thought makes me lift my head. I look at him just as his eyes flutter open. He stares back at me and I wonder if my mind is messing with me.

Maybe I want him to wake up so badly that I’m seeing things.

“Har…per.” Asher’s voice is so weak there’s a quiver in it. But he’s talking. He’s back. He came back to me.

“Oh God, you’re awake,” I shriek, unable to contain my excitement and relief. Both overwhelm me to the point where I feel faint.

“Harper. You’re here.” His voice is a little clearer and his focus sharper.

“I’m here.”

“I heard… you.”

“Asher, I’m going to get the doctor.” Dr. Shape said that it was crucial to notify the medical staff the moment Asher woke up.

“Wait, don’t go.” He holds my hand tighter and my heart leaps. “You’re my wife.”

Wife.

That’s the dream. Hearing him call me that sends a surge of joyous energy swelling within me. I smile down at him, feeling happiness rise inside my soul like a rolling tidal wave. “We didn’t get married.”

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