Page 104 of Savage Scream

He chuckles, and rounds the bed, coming to my side and reaching out to cup my cheek.

“Four of the longest days of my life,” he admits, his expression morphing from amused to worried. “I’ve never felt more helpless in my life. When they took you…” His words trail off, and he looks down at the bed as he struggles with his emotions.

I reach for his hand, needing his touch, and the moment he glances up, we both shift, colliding together in an embrace that has me wanting to crawl under his skin.

“Fuck, Dee,” he whispers into my hair. “I was so scared I was going to lose you.”

I squeeze him tighter, and a moment later he pulls back, pressing his forehead to mine as he stares into my eyes.

“The nurses checked. Said that he… That there were no signs of…” He shakes his head against mine, struggling to speak, and I consider what he said.

“Are you talking about Adam?” I ask, and Jared nods, pulling back to capture my soul in his intense gaze. “He didn’t make good on his threat, if that’s what you’re meaning?”

I see Jared’s shoulders visibly relax as he comprehends my words.

“He didn’t get a chance to, because I ripped his throat out with my teeth.”

Well, technically, it wasn’t his throat, but it was close enough.

To anyone else, my words would make them cringe. Maybe even take a step back.

Not Jared Crowley, though. Nope. He fucking grins.

“That’s my girl.”

The smile that spreads my lips wide is big enough that my teeth show, and Jared’s face lights up.

“Fuck, I love seeing you smile like that. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”

Heat blossoms over my cheeks and rushes to my chest as his eyes dart to my lips.

I want to kiss him. I really do, but if I’ve been laid up in this bed for four days, then I need to brush my teeth.

The moment Jared leans forward, I slap my hand over his mouth, taking him by surprise. His blue gaze darts to mine, brows high on his forehead in question.

“Teeth,” I whisper. “I need to brush them. And have a shower. And…” My eyes drop to the sheets covering my lower half. “Get this stupid tube out of my hoo-ha.”

Jared’s laugh is loud in the small space, throwing his head back and clutching his middle.

“Hoo-ha?” he chuckles, trying to compose himself.

“Yes,” I grumble, shooting him a glare that lacks menace.

Blowing air past his lips, he works harder, trying to calm his laughter before gripping each side of my head. “I’ll arrange for the catheter to be removed from your hoo-ha, while you call Griffin.” He presses his warm lips to my forehead before tugging his phone free and handing it to me. “He’ll be happy to hear your voice.”

As Jared steps away to get the nurse’s help, I give Griffin a call, surprised when he’s actually happy to hear my voice, and then proceed to question him about Travis, and why he’s not allowed in my room. Apparently, each time I woke in a psychotic state, it sent Travis into a fit of rage to the point that it got so bad last night they were considering sedating and restraining him, too. So Griffin demanded he stay in his room, and advised him that Jared will look out for me until I woke up, at which time, they would have a discussion about where Travis’ loyalties lie.

My heart sinks at that, not knowing how Travis will respond to that question, especially after Griffin confirms that the Kerr family has been eliminated, along with all but one of their gang, who Griffin reassures will be dead by the end of the day.

Which leaves me with one question.

Will Travis want to leave with me, or stay?

I guess technically, now that the Kerrs have been wiped from existence, we could stay here in Fox Pines. Something I’d very much like. I could stay with the Rogans… Shit. The Rogans.

I didn’t ask Griffin about them. How the hell could I be so selfish? The last I saw of Cynthia and Will, they were in their bedroom. Will was knocked out cold on the floor. And Cynthia looked a little battered, her cheeks stained with tears as she watched Adam take me away.

My lips part to ask Jared about them when the door slowly opens, and the nurse that was in the doorway arguing with Jared earlier slips in with a trolley, her wary eyes flicking to Jared.

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