Page 181 of Hunter's Revenge

Night comes, and I stare at her lying there still in her deep slumber.

It’s nearly time to go, but I can’t bring myself to leave her yet and spend another night like this.

If Gwen is still in a coma by the end of next week, it will be a month. The doctors are talking about different things now. Things like she might eventually become brain dead, and if that happens, there are decisions to consider that I don’t want to think about.

I’m still holding on to hope.

I stare at her and decide on one last poem, then I’ll go. I pick one of her favorites by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.

“How do I love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height my soul can reach, when feeling out of sight for the ends of being and ideal grace. I love thee to the level of every day's. Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light…”I pause for a moment then continue reciting the poem.

I don’t need to read from the book anymore. The words come from my heart.

When I finish and stare at her, something wet drops onto my lap. It’s water. A teardrop. Coming from me.

I didn’t know that was possible, but it shows even the devil can cry when he’s in love and he can’t help the love of his life.

Suddenly, Sebastian starts barking loudly. I speak in Russian, telling him to stop and soothe him by stroking the top of his head.

“I thought I told you to stop talking to my dog in Russian,” comes a soft but groggy voice.

I’ve gotten so used to not hearing anyone else speaking around me when I’m in here that the voice throws me, until I realize it’s Gwen.

I look at her hoping like hell I didn’t just imagine hearing her. My soul lifts when I see her moving her head from side to side.

I move closer, and she opens her eyes to look at me.

My God, she’s awake. She’s actually awake.

“Malik.” She says my name with fervency and relief.

“Oh my God, Gwen, you’re awake.” I press my forehead to hers and relish the warmth of her skin.

Her fingers flutter over my chin, and I look at her.

“What happened?”

“Terrible things.”

She swipes a finger over my cheek. “Baby, you’re crying.”

Baby…

She’s never called me that before. I like it. I could listen to her call me baby forever.

“I’m okay,” I assure her.

“I dreamt I was lost, and I knew that if I found you, I’d be okay. I found you now.”

I take her hand and kiss the tops.

“I got you.”

I press her hand to my heart and savor the moment, because I know what I have to do next.

I have to let her go. It’s the first right thing I’ve done in years.

I have to let her go and set her free.

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