Page 40 of Lords of Ruin: Cherished

I approach slowly, my pulse steady despite the storm building inside me. She’s healing, that’s all that matters. The surgery went well, her heart is strong, and Lindsay says she’s been stable.

But my father’s words still echo in my mind.

"Funny things, machines. With the right money, you can get a machine to do anything. Or you can make them malfunction."

My jaw tightens as I watch the steady rise and fall of Willow’s chest. He wouldn’t—no, he would. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that he doesn’t make idle threats.

Leaning over, I brush a stray strand of hair from her face. She stirs, mumbling something in her sleep, but doesn’t wake.

“I won’t let him touch you,” I whisper, my voice barely audible over the hum of machines.

She shifts slightly, her body moving into my touch, and she wakes up. Her hazel eyes land on me, dreamy before clearing in recognition.

“Vincent?”

“Hey, princess,” I whisper, my lips ghosting over her forehead.

Willow’s eyes widen as she fully wakes up. She tries to sit up, wincing as the movement pulls at her IV.

“Easy,” I murmur, gently pressing her shoulder back against the pillow. “Don’t hurt yourself.”

“I forgot the nurse started my IV fluids again,” she says, patting the dressing over the tubing gently.

“I shouldn’t be here,” I admit, my jaw clenching. “But I had to see you.”

She nestles against my chest, and I wrap my arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. The scent of antiseptic can’t quite mask the familiar vanilla of her shampoo.

“What's wrong?” she asks, her fingers clutching the fabric of my shirt. “Vincent, you’re scaring me.”

I press my lips to her temple, closing my eyes. “I have to go away for a while.”

Her body stiffens against mine. “What? No.”

“It’s not safe,” I explain, keeping my voice low.

“What do you mean not safe?” she questions, pulling back to look at me. Tears well in her hazel eyes, catching the dim light from the monitors. “Don’t you dare leave me.”

“I would never leave you,” I say. “I have a choice. I can stay with you and be selfish, putting you in danger, or stayaway for a while and keep you forever.” I brush away a tear that slips down her cheek. “I want forever.”

She shakes her head, more tears falling now. “Just take me with you. Take us with you.”

“You know I can’t. Not until you’re healed.” I gesture to the machines keeping watch over her. “And by then, I’ll have handled it.”

“Handled it how?” Her voice breaks.

I don’t answer, my eyes tracing the outline of her face, tattooing her into my memory.

“Vincent, please,” she begs, clutching my face between her palms. “We’ll find another way.”

The intensity in her eyes nearly breaks my resolve. I cover her hands with mine, bringing them to my lips.

“There is no other way,” I whisper against her fingertips. “Not anymore.”

Her tears fall freely now, soaking into the thin hospital gown. “How long?”

“I don’t know,” I admit. “But I promise I’ll come back to you.”

“Don’t make promises you can’t keep,” she says bitterly.

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