Page 70 of Bookgasms
“What are you talking about?” Jason shakes his head. “We need to get to her.”
Maya laughs. “No, Victor is right. We need showers. We might as well take them now. I’m definitely not showing up to apologize to Dani smelling like this.”
That causes us all to laugh as we climb out of bed. I drag Jason into our shower while Andrés leads Maya toward one of the guest baths.
Not long now, and we’ll be able to hold our girl in our arms.
This is the happiest day of my life.
Chapter Twenty-nine
Maya
Istare down at Dani’s sleeping face, gripping her hand like the lifeline it is.
We made it to the hospital a few hours ago, but they wouldn’t let us back until about an hour ago. She’s been sleeping the whole time, and we’re all desperate to talk to her, but even being in the same room with her has calmed us down a lot.
Andrés is holding her other hand while Jason perches at the end of the bed, holding onto her leg. Victor stands behind me, his hand on my shoulder. He’s the only one who isn’t touching Dani, but I’m grateful for the support he’s giving me.
This is all my fault, and I’m still so fucking mad at myself. I don’t know how the three of them can even stand to look at me. If I hadn’t been a jealous twat, then I wouldn’t have chasedDani away. She wouldn’t have fled to Gary, which is what she apparently told the police.
The detectives found us in the waiting room, letting us know Gary had confessed to everything—including stalking Dani since they were both children. They don’t think he’ll see any jail time—his family lawyer is already hinting at trying for an insanity plea.
I can’t even argue against it because he is insane. He obviously needs help, and I hope he finds it—far away from us.
Just because I hope he gets the help he needs, I in no way forgive him. How can I after what he put Dani through?
He beat the shit out of her—on more than one occasion, according to the detectives. He broke her cheekbone, a few of her ribs, and one of her legs. Her face is black and blue, and the rest of her body that we can see is covered in bruises. She has a head wound that they say is infected. She’s going to be recovering at the hospital for a while.
Fuck. I wish she would just open her eyes.
I know the chances of her forgiving me are slim to none, but I at least have to get the words out. I have to tell her why I did what I did and that I love her.
After that, if she tells me to get the fuck out, I will. I’ll do whatever the hell she wants—just as long as she opens her eyes and lets me apologize.
My head jerks up when Dani’s hand squeezes mine to find her eyes open and staring right at me.
“Dani!” I shout, jumping to my feet, and that sends all of us into a frenzy as we all ask her how she’s doing.
“Quiet,” she says in barely a whisper, but we all immediately snap our mouths shut. “My head is pounding, and I don’t need all of you yelling. I assume Officer Ellsworth called you?”
I nod. “She called Victor.”
She glances between the four of us. “And you were all together.”
“Of course we were.” Andrés scoffs. “Where the hell else would we be while you were missing?”
Dani’s eyes flicker to me again before she looks away.
“Dani, I’m so fucking sorry—”
“But you were hurt and jealous?” She waves her hand toward me. “I know, but that doesn’t mean your words didn’t hurt me.”
My head drops forward, tears welling in my eyes. “I’m sorry. So sorry. You’ll never understand how sorry.”
Dani sighs, squeezing my hand. “I forgive you.”
“I’m sorry—what?” My head snaps up as I stare at her in disbelief. “What do you mean, you forgive me?”
