Page 26 of Never Give Up

“You’re not weak.” Brian leans forward, brushing a strand of hair behind my ear like we’re characters in a romance novel. “And yes, you did say that out loud.”

I’m completely at a loss, unsure what I should do or say, because it feels like the second I do, everything is going to shatter into a million pieces, including the tiny shred of hope I have. So I nestle further into the pillow behind me, and keep my mouth shut but my eyes on him.

Brian’s hand falls back to the rail. “I thought you were gone.” I stare, transfixed, as his throat moves when he swallows.

“I’m really high,” I tell him because I can’t handle much more of this. I’m going to say the absolute worst thing.

“I know.” Brian smiles at me sadly.

With a yawn, I blink slowly. “And sleepy. Why are you sad? You don’t have a reason to be sad.”

“Shut your eyes then and take a nap. Let the meds help with the pain, and let your body heal.”

He didn’t answer my question.

“Will you be here when I open them again?” There I am, being weak again, but I can’t help it.

“No.” He reaches over and caresses my fingertips with his. “But I’ll be here until I have to go get the boys.” I listen to him clear his throat. “I’ll be back tomorrow, too.”

“Okay.” At least he’s telling me the truth. Besides, it’s so hard to keep my eyes open right now.

The pain’s finally gone, just a dull ache in my stomach and arm. I almost feel safe.

“The only reason I’m telling you is because I know you won’t remember when you wake up.” Brian’s still caressing my fingers with his. “I swear, Maya. I will do whatever I have to in order to earn a chance with you. I know you’re going to need time. You need to heal from this. So I’ll let it go for now, but I’m not walking away. And I’m not letting it go forever.”

“That’s nice.” I yawn, already forgetting what he said. “You should sneak me in a pizza pocket when you come back. I’m snacky. No one will know you’re bringing food if you stuff it down your pants.”

Smiling, I listen to the steady beeping of the machines connected to my body and feel the rhythmic way his fingers dance against mine. Right up until the moment I let sleep take over.

* * *

Brian

She’sasleep for about an hour before I finally get up to leave. I don’t want to, but there’s a lot of shit I need to handle if I’m going to convince Maya that I’m not the asshole I’ve been acting like.

I don’t even realize I’m not alone in the parking lot next to my truck before the other man coughs.

“What do you want?” Maya’s ex husband is standing there, with an expression on his face I can’t quite make out in the shadows of the overhead street lamps.

“This wouldn’t have happened if I was still around.” He sucks in a harsh breath. “You. You and that department are supposed to keep her safe. You failed.”

I don’t even remember his name, but I hate him more than anything, because he’s right. And that anger is hard to swallow.

“I never should have let her walk away.” He’s muttering, and I’m not sure if he’s talking to me or not. “She’s my wife for fuck’s sake.”

Okay. Hitting the other man is a mistake. But my fist is out and connecting with his jaw before I can stop it, and I can’t say I’m entirely disappointed when he drops to the ground.

“She’s not your wife.” I stand over him. “She doesn’t belong to you, man. She belongs to herself. Not anyone else.”

Sputters fill the air as I turn to walk away. “Let’s see what your bosses think of you assaulting a civilian.”

I don’t bother to answer as I get in my truck and drive away.

Any punishment they give is worth it. He doesn’t deserve Maya.

Hell, no one does. But that doesn’t mean I’m not gonna do my best to make her mine.

9

---