Page 75 of Sin Bin Bully

Her eyes soften, a mix of emotions I can't quite decipher flitting across her face. Before she can respond, we're pulling up to the hospital, and it's another whirlwind of activity as they rush me inside.

The emergency room is a cacophony of beeping machines and urgent voices. Doctors and nurses swarm around me, asking questions, checking vitals, prepping for surgery.

Through it all, Kim stays by my side, her presence a constant comfort. As they prepare to wheel me into surgery, I tug her close.

"Don't go anywhere, okay?" I murmur, suddenly feeling vulnerable.

She leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my forehead. "I'll be right here when you wake up. I promise."

As they wheel me away, the last thing I see is Kim's face, worry etched in every line, but determination shining in her eyes. And despite the pain, despite the chaos, I can't help but feel like the luckiest man alive.

34

KIM

Kim

The antiseptic smell of the hospital waiting room burns my nostrils as I pace back and forth, my heart hammering against my ribs. Each step echoes off the stark white walls, a rhythm that matches the frantic beating in my chest.

"Damn you, Sam," I mutter under my breath. "You better pull through this."

My fingers twist the hem of my shirt, wringing it until the fabric protests. The image of Sam jumping in front of me, the sound of the gunshot - it all replays in my mind on a cruel loop. I squeeze my eyes shut, willing the memories away.

How can he get hurt when I needed to tell him something? This is just like Sam. I give him a few internal curses for good measure.

I swear the longer I pace this room, the more it feels like my heart is going to pound out of my chest. I realize I love the bastard and he goes and gets himself shot.

"Mr. Warwick is out of surgery," a voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts.

I whirl around, nearly colliding with a doctor in blue scrubs. "Is he okay? Can I see him?"

The doctor's lips quirk into an amused smile. "He's going to be fine. Though I must say, Mr. Warwick was quite... insistent about seeing you. He threatened to, and I quote, 'buy this whole damn hospital and fire everyone' if we didn't bring you to him immediately."

A laugh bubbles up from my chest, surprising even me. It's so quintessentially Sam - arrogant, demanding, and completely over-the-top. Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, a confusing mix of relief and lingering fear.

"That sounds like him," I manage to say, my voice thick with emotion.

The doctor nods, gesturing for me to follow. "He's still under anesthesia, but you can sit with him if you'd like."

We walk down a corridor that seems to stretch on forever. My heart races with each step, anticipation and dread warring within me. Finally, we reach a room, and the doctor pushes open the door.

The sight of Sam, lying motionless in the hospital bed, nearly brings me to my knees. His skin is paler than usual, making the dark stubble on his jaw stand out in stark contrast.

I approach the bed slowly, afraid that any sudden movement might somehow hurt him. My hand hovers over his, wanting to touch him but hesitating.

"Oh, Sam," I whisper, finally allowing my fingers to brush against his. His skin is warm, alive, and I let out a shaky breath I didn't realize I'd been holding. "You stupid, reckless man. What were you thinking?"

"I told you," he wheezes, his eyes fluttering like he's answering me even though he’s unconscious. "I will never let anything hurt you."

I gasp, relief flooding through me as Sam's eyes flutter open. Without thinking, I throw my arms around him, pulling him close.

"Oof," Sam grunts, his breath warm against my ear. "Easy there, little dancer."

I try to pull back, worried I've hurt him, but his arms tighten around me, dragging me on top of his body. "Don't you dare move," he murmurs, his voice rough with pain and something else. "The only thing I can't stand is being away from you."

I snuggle into his side, glad because I can't stomach being away from him right now either. His hand slides down to my hip, and he frowns. "What the hell is digging into my side?"

I freeze as he reaches into the pocket of my dress, pulling out the small velvet box. His eyes widen, and he looks up at me, a question in his gaze.

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