Page 66 of Sin Bin Bully

Dr. Stentson raises an eyebrow but doesn't comment. "Call me if her condition changes," he says, heading for the door.

As soon as he's gone, I'm back at Kim's side, my hand finding hers. Her skin is warmer now, and I can see color returning to her cheeks.

"You hear that, little dancer?" I murmur, brushing a stray curl from her face. "You're gonna be just fine. But don't you ever scare me like that again."

I spend the next few hours alternating between pacing the room and sitting by her side. Every small movement, every twitch of her fingers, has me on high alert.

Finally, as the first light of dawn starts to creep through the windows, Kim stirs. Her eyelids flutter, and a small groan escapes her lips.

"Kim?" I'm at her side in an instant, cupping her face gently. "Can you hear me?"

Her eyes open slowly, unfocused at first. Then they lock onto mine, and I feel like I can breathe again for the first time in hours.

Relief floods through me as Kim's eyes finally open. The tightness in my chest eases, and for a moment, I'm breathless with joy.

"Kim," I breathe, cupping her face gently. "Thank God. How are you feeling?"

She blinks slowly, her gaze unfocused. Then her eyes lock onto mine, and I wait for... something. Anything. Confusion, fear, anger - hell, I'd even take her yelling at me right now.

But there's nothing. Her face is a blank mask, brown eyes staring right through me.

"Kim?" I try again, my thumb brushing her cheek. "Can you hear me? Say something, little dancer."

Silence. She doesn't even flinch at the nickname.

Unease creeps up my spine. "Come on, talk to me. You scared the shit out of me."

Still nothing. Not a word, not a sound. Just those empty eyes boring into mine.

"Fuck," I mutter, running a hand through my hair. "Kim. Just... say anything."

The silence stretches on, suffocating. I can feel my pulse quickening, frustration building with each passing second.

"What the hell is this?" I demand, my voice rising. "You run off into the woods, nearly get yourself killed, and now you're giving me the silent treatment?"

I stand abruptly, pacing the room. My hands clench and unclench at my sides, a low growl building in my throat.

"I saved your ass out there," I snap, whirling back to face her. "The least you could do is fucking acknowledge me."

But Kim just lies there, watching me with those maddeningly blank eyes. It's like she's looking straight through me, like I don't even exist.

"Goddamnit!" I slam my fist against the wall, relishing the sharp sting of pain. At least that's real. "What do you want from me?"

The question hangs in the air, unanswered. I feel like I'm losing my mind. How can she just lie there, so still and quiet, when I'm falling apart?

"Fine," I spit out, stalking towards the door. "You want to play games? Two can do that."

I pause at the threshold, half-hoping she'll call out, beg me to stay. But there's only silence.

With a growl of frustration, I slam the door behind me.

30

KIM

Kim

It's been three days, and I still refuse to speak to Sam. The silence between us is deafening, but I cling to it. It's the only control I seem to have left.

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