Page 43 of Lost in Me

“Thank you,” I state softly, feeling Emory’s heartbeatagainst my arm. I like the feeling of her heart. It makes my anxiety go down a little, knowing it is still beating. She is still here with me even though she hasn’t woken up yet.

The doctors finally put in a monitor that allows me to hear the baby’s heartbeat, which is also helping lower my anxiety. They are both alive and now safe, and that will never fucking change.

“No problem, brother. Emory will love the new home. You both will be happy there,” he states softly.

“You know you are staying with us. It will be your home as well,” I remind him.

“Really?” he asks in a surprised voice. Like I would want him to be anywhere else. I need him by my side.

“Yes,” I state with confidence. There are no doubts, no second thoughts.

“Thank you,” he whispers. I can hear the emotion in his voice.

“No need to thank me, Ethan. You are family. It is that simple,” I state calmly.

He doesn’t respond, but I know my words are affecting him. Of course he will be staying with us. I need to make sure my family is safe, and that includes him.

What has happened with Jesse will never fucking happen again. No more games, ever. If anyone threatens my family, they will die. No second chances.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Emory

I hear Shawn in my head. I have heard every word he has been saying for the last few minutes. I feel his arms tight around me and his chin resting on my head.

I feel his heartbeat against my body, rapid and unsteady. I feel his anxiety, fear, and worry radiating off him in waves. Crashing waves.

I slowly lift my hand and rest it on his arm, which is wrapped tightly around me. I feel his entire body stiffen against me. I feel him take a deep breath.

“Shawn,” I whisper, barely able to get the words out. My entire body hurts. My heart hurts. I slowly lift my other hand and gently rest it on my stomach. I slowly open my eyes and see Ethan now at the foot of my bed. His eyes are looking me up and down. I feel the tears building in my eyes. “The baby,” I whisper.

Shawn tightens his grip around me as I slowly lift my head and look at him, forcing him to pull back a little. He looks down at me, our eyes deadlocked as we both allow tears to escape our eyes.

Shawn hasn’t responded to me. I feel the anxiety and fear start to build in me as I tighten my hand on his arm.

“Emory,” Shawn whispers, making my heart skip a beat. I have missed his voice. I have missed him.

“Shawn, the baby,” I state in an anxious voice.

“The baby is okay. You are okay,” Shawn states, continuing to look at me. I can hear it in his voice. He is trying to convince both of us.

“Are you okay?” I ask him, needing to know. I don’t know what happened between him and Jesse, but I need to know that Shawn is okay.

I see a small smile form across his lips. He slowly nodsas he continues to search my eyes. “Yes, Angel, I am okay,” he states softly, making my worry melt away.

“Jesse?” I state, looking back at Ethan. He takes a deep breath.

“He is dead. No one will ever find him, Emory. You don’t have to worry about him anymore,” Ethan states softly. I feel a weight leave me with Ethan’s words. I feel relieved to know Jesse is done, that he is never coming back, that he can’t hurt me or the baby or Shawn or anyone else we love and care about.

I feel more tears as I look back up at Shawn. He lifts one of his hands and gently rests it against my face as he leans down, connecting his lips to mine. I melt into him. I close my eyes as the tears continue. I open my mouth, feeling his tongue enter my mouth once again, tasting me.

I taste him, I smell him, this is real, this is real. I slowly pull back, just enough to look at him. I open my eyes and look into his gorgeous eyes. “This is real, right?” I ask in a hopeful voice. Please don’t let this be a dream. Please, God.

“Yes, Angel, this is real,” he states calmly, validating that we got out. That we all survived.

I take a deep breath, causing my entire body to tense and stiffen as the pain radiates through my body. Shawn lowers his hand from my face. I know he is worried about me and the baby.

“I will go get the doctor,” Ethan states, wasting no time, turning and making his way to the open door. “We need help in here, please. She is in pain,” Ethan states in a calm but urgent voice.

---