Page 88 of Glitter Rose
I take the last flight three steps at a time, ignoring the protest in my still-healing ribs. Mike did a number on both of us. Bastard might be dead, but his ghost lingers in every breath that sends knives through my side. Worth it. Every broken bone and bruise worth the price of getting her out.
The corridor stretches before me, industrial lights flickering overhead. I slow as I approach the door, trying to catchmy breath. In through the nose, out through the mouth. Can’t let her see me panicked.
Ah. Fuck that.
I yank the door open and freeze.
Paris sits propped against white pillows, her skin nearly the same shade. She’s too thin, too fragile, but her eyes… those beautiful green eyes find mine instantly, lighting up with recognition that sends a jolt straight to my soul.
“Knox.” My name on her lips sounds like salvation.
“Princess.” I cross the room in four strides, barely registering Vivian checking monitors in the corner. “Hey.”
Paris’s hand reaches for mine, and I take it, my fingers enveloping hers.
Her voice is hoarse, barely a whisper. “I was starting to think you’d left me again.”
“Not a chance. How are you feeling?”
“Like I’ve been hit by a truck. But the driver was nice enough to back up and run me over again, just to be thorough.”
I can’t help but grin. Four months of torture, and she’s still got that spark.
My girl.
Her free hand presses gingerly against her side. “How long was I out?”
“Three days. Punctured lung. Internal bleeding. Vivian had to operate.” My throat closes around the words. Vivian said the blood loss alone should've killed her twice over, but Paris is healing faster than any normal person could. Like Gavin. “You scared the shit out of me.”
“Pretty inconsiderate of me.”
“Yeah. Real selfish move.”
Her attention shifts to the diamond still on her finger. “Still fits. I thought I might have dreamedit.”
“Not a dream.” I perch on the edge of her bed, careful not to jostle her. “Though maybe my timing was shit.”
“I loved it.” Her finger traces the diamond’s edge. “Best apocalypse proposal ever.”
“That’s a low bar.”
“I’ll take it.” She tries to sit up higher, wincing.
“Easy.” I adjust her pillows. “Moving’s optional for a while.”
Her gaze darts around the room, taking in the concrete walls, the medical equipment, the small window showing a slice of forest beyond. “So this is Iron Gate?”
“The medical room. Not exactly the grand tour I planned.”
“Better than Gabriel’s lab.” Her voice catches on her brother’s name. “Is he really… And Min-ji?”
“We don’t know.”
“Mike?”
“I’m pretty sure he’s feeding worms, thanks to you.” I bring her hand to my lips, kissing her knuckles. “You saved my life.”
Her free hand reaches for my face, fingertips light against the fading bruises on my jaw. “Does it hurt?”
