Page 216 of Sin With Me

“Open your eyes, please.”

“I’m good, Em. I’m good.” He reached with his hand to his forehead where a bruise was already forming. A big gash opened, spewing blood onto his face. I ripped a piece of his sleeve off his shirt and pressed it to the cut to somewhat stop the bleeding.

“Huntz…” He tried to situp.

“He’sdead.”

“You’resure?”

“Eric, there’s a branch sticking out of his chest. I’m pretty sure that means he’sdead.”

“Good.” He slouched, shifting his body inpain.

“You’re going to have a nasty scar from thatcut.”

“I thought you liked scars.”

“I love them, especially on the man I love.” I leaned lower and kissed the lips I thought I’d never feel again. “You saved mylife.”

“I’m glad I could be of some help, and I’m so happy this nightmare isover.”

Far in the distance, a fire engine siren roared. The smell of smoke was now prominent, shaking us up and reminding us that there was another disaster not faraway.

I covered my mouth, saying, “Your parents.”

“Let’sgo.”

Eric grabbed me under my arm and my knees, lifting me. “Eric, you’re weak. You cannot strain yourself.”

“There’s no fucking way I’m letting you walk with that cut. Please don’t argue, Emma.”

And the next thing I knew I was snuggled against his chest, feeling his heart beat on my cheek and his pecs rise and fall with each breath. Eric was almost running. I wasn’t sure how he knew the way, but I had a feeling his memory had been triggered. And now, all I could do was hope and pray that his parents were safe. As much as I wanted to expect the best, something told me we should get ready for the worst.

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