Page 46 of He Found Me

Hospitals have a very distinctive smell. Before I even open my eyes, I know where I am. The reason I’m here floods back into my memory.

“Oh no, Marco!” Sitting bolt upright in bed, my parents put their hands on my shoulders.

“Hey, sweetheart, you’re ok; you’re safe in the hospital.” My mother sits on one side of my bed, my father on the other.

“Where’s Leo?”

“He’s outside. Where he has been ever since he brought you in.”

“Two days he’s stood guarding your door; I didn’t even know you two were in touch again?” My mum questions.

“I did.” My dad chirps back sarcastically. Ever since I can remember, they’ve always had this who is the better parent competition going on. They had me as teenagers and still act like they are when they’re together.

“She’s awake. I told you to inform me the minute she woke up!” Leo blares at my parents from the doorway.

“Doctor!” He shouts down the corridor.

My mum rolls her eyes. “He’s very bossy!”

“He saved your life. Do you remember what happened?”

“Bits,” I say, not wanting to talk about it.

Leo returns with the doctor.

“Clear the room; the doctor needs space to work.” My mum and dad leave, giving me a kiss as they do. Leo stays watching the doctor's every move. My blood pressure is taken, he`checks my dressings and looks into my eyes.

“Everything looks good. You’re a lucky lady.”

“When will I be able to take Katie home?”

“Another day or two, I’d like to keep an eye on her for at least another 24 hours. If she continues to improve, she can recover at home.” Closing the door behind him, the doctor leaves Leo and I alone.”

“Katie?” I question. Leo has never once called me anything but Katherine. Pulling up a chair, he sits by my bed, taking my hand in his.

“It’s the name you prefer, isn’t it?”

“Well, yes.” Although I’d gotten used to being Katherine just for him.

“How do you feel?”

“I’m sorry.” I sob.

“No. I’m sorry. This is all my fault. I should never have let you leave. I let him take you away. I failed you.”The pain in his eyes breaks my heart. Reaching out to hold him in my arms, the pain of my broken ribs stops me; realising this, Leo climbs into bed beside me and holds me. This feels like home. This is where I want to be. With him. Safe.

“I’ve called off the wedding.”

I feel a little sad.

“You know, I really didn’t mean it when I said I loved Jax.I just said that because I wanted to go home.”

“I know.” He squeezes me a little harder, kissing my head.

“I’m so sorry about Marco.” I thought he hated me. I can’t believe he sacrificed his life for me. Tears roll down my face; he meant so much to Leo.

“Hey, don’t cry. It will take more than a little bit of lead to get rid of that monster.”

“He’s alive?”

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