Page 9 of A Man in Uniform

“What the hell are you doing here, Wyatt?” My stomach starts to bubble, and the world beneath my feet begins to spin. Leaning, I let myself rest against his side.

“Well, it looks to me like I'm keeping you safe.”

“Fuck you,” I snap.

“What? I am.”

“That's not what I mean, and you know it. What the hell are you doinghere?”holding out open palms, I try to stand up and turn to face him. My legs are jello, and my knees buckle with no support.

Wyatt swoops down, scooping me into his arms. “Alright, we're not doing this right now. I'm taking you to the hospital.”

“No!” I yell, pushing him away.

“Story, please, let's get you checked. Who knows what he gave you.”

“No, Wyatt! No hospital. I can get myself home.” Slicing the air, I fall backwards and he grabs me.

“Then I'm driving you home, you can't drive like this. Give me your keys.”

Thinning my lips, I nod. He's right. I can't drive like this.

“Fine,” I say, holding out my keys. “You can take me home.”

Wyatt helps me into the car and buckles me up. I can barely keep my eyes open as I half watch him circle the car to the driver's side and climb in.

My lids are heavy, so fucking heavy. I blink and my eyes stay closed for a long second, only to reopen them and see we're moving. Flickers of the streetlights flash as I lay my head against the cold window.

Another blink and I'm in his arms, being carried up a flight of stairs.

There are blips of moments. They're quick, only a single second or two before everything goes black again.

Wyatt wiping my forehead. His fingers moving hair out of my face. A blanket being lifted to my chin. My shoulders being held up, and a cool glass of water against my lips.

I'm in complete darkness. It's a darkness that's palpable, flavored, and I can feel it in my soul. It's like I'm awake with my eyes closed. I can sense things around me. The weight of the blanket, the scent of mint, the sound of my heart beating in my chest.

Then there's nothing.

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