Page 79 of Misery and Ecstasy

“I tried talking to her.” Draven points an angry finger at me. “I’ve been talkingtoher for three days, trying to convince her?—”

“Stop…” I try to cut him off with no success. My voice leaves me in a whisper, but I think even if I were able to scream, they still wouldn’t acknowledge me.

“—to go back to the ER because I care about her, and I don’t want to see her in pain. And if something serious is going on, she needs to get in there as soon as possible so they can figure out what it is and fix her before…”

Although Draven doesn’t finish the sentence, his meaning rings loudly against the walls of my room. He almost blurted out the fear that has been lingering in the darkest recesses of my mind for the past week. A fear which is now front and center, and I’ve never been more scared of anything in my entire life.

That there is something seriously, and terminally, wrong with me.

The three of us are quiet for a moment until I break the silence, clearing my throat.

“I have to use the bathroom. When I’m done, we can go. Okay? Happy?”

I glare at both of them before Draven gives me a small nod. Then, on shaky feet, I walk into my bathroom. A wave of dizziness hits me, and I am thankful I’m able to lock the door behind me before either of them notice.

I grip the edge of my sink and look at my reflection in the mirror.

Jesus.

No wonder Draven has been on my ass today. I’m pale but blotchy with a sheen of sweat across my forehead.

Ilooklike death.

As a wave of nausea hits me, my dizziness gives way to the unnerving feeling of déjà vu. I’ve had déjà vu plenty of times, but this… This is something more.

Olivia’s and Draven’s raised voices start up again, reaching my ears through the bathroom door. When my heart begins to beat faster, I assume it’s anxiety over the two of them fighting.

But then my entire body breaks out into a sweat.

Terrifying palpitations rattle through my heart.

Calm down, McK.

My mind is racing, panicking, unable to calm itself down enough to make sense of what’s happening to me.

I try for the faucet so I can splash water on my face, but my hand won’t move. I no longer feel the countertop beneath my fingers or the chilled tile beneath my feet. It feels like I’m falling, yet I’m standing still.

I think I turn for the door, to try to get help, but I can’t be sure.

Almost in slow motion, the entire room is flipped on its side.

And then I’m floating away.

Into darkness.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

DRAVEN

Ialmost didn’t let McKinsey leave my sight.

Fear is creeping up my neck—something just doesn’t feel right. But I give the doc her space and press my lips together, trying to avoid any further argument with both of these stubborn women long enough to get Kins into my car and to the hospital.

I have half a mind to call Valerie to see if she’s got another shift in the ER today. Maybe Kins will listen toherif she says it’s a good idea to come in for a further look.

“You know, you have a lot of nerve.” Olivia starts in with me again. “You guys met, what? Five minutes ago? And you think you know her so well already?—.”

“I’m not claiming to know everything about her, but that doesn’t stop me from caring about her wellbeing.”

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