Page 129 of Chasing Sarah

Declan climbs into the driver’s seat and Liam climbs into the back.

Clouds of black smoke begin to billow out of the shattered windows of the warehouse. Flashes of my home burning burst in my mind and my breath catches. A tear rolls down my cheek, curving at the corner of my mouth.

“Ready?” Declan whispers, bringing me back to the present.

I turn toward him and nod.

* * *

Smelling of sweat, blood, and burning flesh, I step into Rhys’ room. I wasn’t going to waste time showering when I needed to see him.

I needed to meet those emerald eyes and see for myself that he’s okay.

He is propped up on the hospital bed with a tray of food sitting in front of him. My chest expands and my hand flies to cup my mouth.

“Hi,mo réalta,” he whispers, turning to face me.

I launch myself across the space between us and climb into bed. I curl against his uninjured side, press my face into the crook of his neck, and break. Rhys caresses my hair, whispering sweet nothings in my ear to soothe my sobs.

Once I’ve caught my breath, I peer up into his eyes. They’re filled with so much love I feel it in the very fibers of my being.

“I love you, Rhys,” I say, reaching up to brush the back of my fingers against his cheek.

“I love you, baby,” he replies then presses a kiss to my forehead. “Wanna tell me what you’ve been up to?”

He scans me from head to toe with an amused chuckle.

“I did it.”

He winces slightly as he shifts. “Elaborate,” he demands with a smirk.

“I killed Eddie.” I swallow the lump in my throat. “He killed my brothers.”

Rhys’ brows reach his hairline.

“He admitted to lighting the fire that filled my family, Rhys,” my voice cracks. “He took them from me, and he almost took you.”

His face softens.

“I’m sorry for scaring you,mo réalta.” He wraps his fingers around mine, squeezing tightly.

“I can’t be without you, Rhys.” I study our joined hands for a moment then raise my eyes to his once more. “Waiting for you to wake up was one of the worst experiences of my life.”

I lean against his shoulder when he releases my hand to wrap his arm around me.

“Losing my brothers took half of my heart. Losing you would take the other half of my soul.”

“Then it’s a good thing you’re never going to lose me.”

I let out a humorless snort. “You can’t promise that.”

“I made a deal with the devil when I started working with Declan’s family,” he starts, licking his lips. “I’d sell my soul if that meant I’d be with you until the end of time.”

Following a gentle knock, the door opens and in walks a doctor wearing dark blue scrubs and a white coat.

His eyes widen when he takes in my appearance.

“Got a problem?” Rhys asks loudly.

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