Page 59 of Anyone But You
We’re going to die here. Him first, and soon, I will, too. Knox did say, until death do us part. This would be poetic if it weren’t so damn predictable.
“Tori…Montana,” Knox wheezed.
“Shut up and save your strength,” I said, wiping away tears.
“I’m… sorry… should… have listened… to you.”
“You should’ve.”
He chuckled for a few seconds before groaning pitifully.
“You’re meaner… than… a snake.”
“You knew that when you married me.”
“I did. You’re rich now.”
“What do you mean?”
“You… in my will.”
My eyes widened in disbelief.
Surely this man wasn’t that obsessed with me that he put me in his will? Never mind, we’re talking about Knox Giovanni Ramsey. Of course, he did.
“And you’re a… liar,” he heaved.
“What did I lie about?”
“Your middle name.”
I sucked my teeth and looked away from him, staring out at the calm waves. “I don’t know why my mom gave me that stripper ass name.”
“She knew you could… stand pressure.”
“Mmmm,” I hummed, leaning back on my hands.
“You’re gonna make it back… be rich.”
I shook my head.
“I’m not going back without you.”
“You have to.” I shook my head solemnly. “I love you, Tori.”
“Even on your deathbed, you’re a cruel motherfucker,” I hissed, stroking his hand.
“Be nice to me. I’m dying.”
I glanced back at him and could see the resolve on his face. He’d already made peace with the fact that today would probably be his last night on the island.
“Take him and leave.”
I jumped to my feet and left the hut. The voice in my head couldn’t be any clearer. I never understood what people meant when they said God spoke to them, but this had to be it.
Or I’m dehydrated. Either way, we’re leaving.
I busied myself filling the raft with supplies and dragging it as close as I could to the hut.
