Page 117 of The Forbidden
I turn to see my parents entering the hospital, panic etched deep into their faces. They’ve known Anais her whole life, she’s their goddaughter. Of course they’d be worried.
“In recovery.” Their expressions flash with relief. “We’re about to go see her now.”
The families greet each other – my mom hugging Mrs. Lauder, whispering words of comfort – before me and Anais’s family are ushered into an elevator.
I don’t give a fuck if I’m not classed as family. Nothing or no one will keep me away from my brat.
We’re led down the corridor and into a private room. The moment I see her all the air leaves my lungs. She looks so small and pale as she sleeps. Nothing like the feisty girl I know. I step inside, ignoring her family and taking the seat next to the bed. I gently take her hand, encasing it in my large palm.
“She may be out of it for a while,” the doctor explains. “She’s been through a major trauma and not only that, but she’ll be feeling the effects of anesthesia. She needs time to recover, so don’t be alarmed if she sleeps a lot.” I tune him out, my eyes locked on her beautiful face as I take her in.
I lift her hand, ignoring her mother on the other side of the bed, and press kisses to each of her fingers, her palm. “I love you,” I whisper hoarsely.
Now that I’ve said those three words, I want to say them to her every minute of every day until they are tattooed on her brain.
A throat clears, breaking me from my trance. Sighing, I glance up to find the Lauders watching me. Mr. Lauder looks confused. Mrs. Lauder seems unsurprised. And Harrison… he smirks like a cocky asshole.
“Something you want to tell me, son?” Mr. Lauder asks.
I rub my jaw with my free hand as I debate what to say. Truthfully, I would have preferred to have this conversation with Anais conscious, but the circumstances have left me with no other choice.
“I love her.” I tell him honestly.
His eyebrows shoot to his hairline. “You love her?” he repeats slowly.
“Yeah.” I say without hesitation.
He turns to look at Harrison. “And what do you think about this?”
My best friend chuckles. “Well, after beating his ass.” That’s a bit of an exaggeration but if it makes him feel better, I’ll let him have it. “We talked. If Evan wasn’t serious, I wouldn’t have let him near her, let alone in this room.”
Like Harrison could stop me. But again, I’ll let him have that one.
Mr. Lauder exhales, scrubbing a hand down his face. “Well, Christ. I didn’t see that coming.”
“That’s because you’re always too busy with work,” his wife laughs, rolling her eyes.
Harrison jerks his head at my blood-stained clothes. “You should go home and get cleaned up. Could be a while before she wakes.”
I shake my head. “I’m not going anywhere until she wakes up.”
He sighs. “Come on man, look at the state of you. Anais will freak out, when she opens her eyes and sees you like that.”
My jaw clenches. He’s right. But I’m not leaving.
“Go down to the gift shop and buy me a shirt.” I demand rather than ask.
He glowers, crossing his arms over his chest. “Do it yourself. I’m not your damn assistant.”
Instead of arguing, I pull out my phone, sending a quick text to my mother.
Me: Can you grab me a shirt from somewhere. And maybe some pants… just anything you can get your hands on.
Her response is immediate.
Mom: Of course, honey.
Slipping my phone back in my pocket, I shoot him a smug grin.
