Page 68 of Eternally London

I shake my head against the pillow. “He wasn’t in a good place. He wasn’t himself. He was trapped in the darkness. He didn’t try to shoot me. He was holding the gun out to get me to stop. His hand was shaking. I know he didn’t mean to pull the trigger, London. I know it. Tommy’s a great shot. If he wanted me dead, I’d be dead. It wasn’t intentional, and I’m sure he feels absolutely horrible about it. He needs help. I need to talk to him.” I scan the room for my belongings, specifically my phone.

London doesn’t look convinced, but she doesn’t argue. “You can figure that out tomorrow. You need your rest.”

I look up to the clock on the wall. It’s almost midnight.

“Oh, look,” I tell her.

She looks toward the clock, and then she reaches for the remote and turns on the TV. We watch the crowd in New York City cheer as the ball begins to drop.

When the countdown reaches ten seconds, London takes my face in her hands, and we count down together. “Ten. Nine. Eight. Seven.” I stare into her gorgeous brown eyes, more in love with her today than yesterday. “Six. Five. Four. Three.” She’s so beautiful, and she makes me incredibly happy. “Two. One.”

Her lips press against mine. It’s a promise. Each and every time we kiss, it’s a promise to love each other always.

She pulls away.

“Happy New Year,” I say.

“Happy New Year. I love you.”

“I love you, too. Well, sorry your party didn’t turn out the way you’d planned.” I bite my lip with a grin.

She lets out a dry chuckle. “Yeah, not even close. Promise me, we’ll never celebrate this way again.”

“I promise. Are you going to make any New Year’s resolutions?” I ask.

“Yes, I have one—to never leave your side for as long as you live.”

“You never do,” I tell her. “No matter where I am or what I’m doing, you’re with me. You’re a part of me, and I carry you everywhere I go.”

“No, like, I legitimately want to be with you, physically present, at all times.” She looks at me, furrowing her brows.

I can’t help but grin. “That might be a little challenging, don’t you think?”

“I’ll make it work,” she says. “I can’t risk losing you. I’m so very weak when it comes to a life without you. I know it’s a flaw, but it’s the truth.”

“You know I love every single flaw of yours, just as you love mine.”

“I do. I love everything about you.” She snuggles back against my side before quickly popping back up. “Wait,every single flaw? It sounds like you’re saying I have tons.” She narrows her eyes.

I let out a chuckle that I instantly regret. I squeeze my eyes closed as my entire abdomen burns with agony.

“Oh no! Let me buzz the nurse. You need more pain meds.”

“I’m okay. I need to sleep. Come here, beautiful.” I think I motion for her to lie with me, but the waves of discomfort still course through me, making it hard to concentrate on anything else.

“You don’t have to be in pain, Loïc. Let me just call the nurse.”

“I’m fine. Come here,” I say softly.

London lies back down next to me, burrowing into my side.

“Much better. All I need is a little rest.” My words fade.

I wake to a room bursting with sunlight. The rays seem to be multiplying as they bounce off the stark white walls that surround me. London is no longer lying with me, but her voice fills the space as she talks to someone. I’m assuming it’s my doctor. I attempt to open my eyes again, and they start to water from the intrusive brightness.

“Babe?” I say.

“Oh, let me get the blinds,” London replies. She fiddles over by the window.

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