Page 76 of Sinful Kingdom

Evie.

My eyes dart to the left, the side she prefers to sleep on, but I don’t find her beside me. Instead, I find the floor, and the second I look up, my eyes fall on exactly the person I need curled up on the chair right beside me.

“Evie,” I croak. Just that one word is like knives down my throat, but thankfully, it’s all she needs.

Her lashes flicker before she drags them open, and the second she finds me staring back at her, her eyes widen.

“Alex, you’re awake,” she whispers, shuffling to the edge of the chair.

Silence falls between us and I hate it. I hate that she’s so far away, that I don’t know what she’s thinking.

“W-why are you over there?” I force out.

A soft smile pulls at her lips. “Because someone insisted on taking my spot.”

My brows pinch as she looks over my shoulder.

Following her lead, I do the same, my heart shattering when I find who’s curled up fast asleep on the other side of my bed.

Zayden.

“I-is he o-okay?” I croak.

“Physically, nothing more than a black eye and a couple of scratches. Mentally?” She shakes her head. “He refused to sleep unless he was with you.”

My mouth opens, but I have no words to respond to that.

“I’m so sorry,” I whisper eventually. “I tried to protect him. I really did b-but—” My voice cracks and I cut myself off when the bed dips beside me and a warm hand slides into mine.

Gently, she cups my cheek and gazes down at me.

“I know you did. And I’m so grateful. We all are. Here,” she says, holding a straw to my lips.

I want to talk, but I’m unable to deny the relief to my wrecked throat.

“It wasn’t enough though. What he saw, what he—”

“Alex, stop,” she begs, her eyes pleading with me to do as I’m told. “Do you know why he wanted to be in here with you?” I don’t respond and she continues after a few seconds. “Because he knows that you’ll protect him. You’re his hero.”

A massive fucking lump crawls up my throat, and the backs of my eyes burn with red-hot tears.

“No, Evie. I can’t—”

“Shh,” she whispers, placing two fingers gently over my lips. “Take the title, you deserve it.”

“I didn’t do anything. I was stuck watching as they… fuck.” I reach for her, realising my mistake instantly when pain shoots up my arm. Gritting my teeth, I fight to keep my reaction under wraps. After everything Evie has been through, the last thing she needs is to know that I’m suffering. “Are you okay?” I ask, focusing back on her.

“I am now I’ve got you both back,” she says honestly.

“Fuck,” I breathe, closing my eyes and taking a deep, calming breath.

“I need to know everything, baby.”

“Not right now. When you’re stronger, I’ll tell you everything about the past few days. But now, you need to rest.”

“I need you,” I confess.

“And I’m right here,” I assure him.

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