Page 115 of Straight to Me

“Sit tight, Mads. I need to help Jack.” Nodding, I realise Jack needs VP more right now. There’s a small chance he could be alive. VP kisses my head gently then slams the door shut. He helps Harper lift Jack carefully into the back then climbs in with him.

Every now and then I hear VP telling me to stay awake, but I can’t. It’s fruitless trying. I’m safe now, I don’t have to worry anymore.

Chapter Twenty-Nine

The sound of beeping enters my dream. Blinking my heavy eyes open, VP sits at my bedside. “Hey babe.” His heavenly, smooth voice makes me want to close my eyes again, to pretend nothing bad ever happened.

Everything around me appears blurred. Holding my hand out to him, he takes it, kissing lightly across my knuckles. “VP.” My throat croaks in need of water.

He stands and heads towards the door. Various machines and monitors come into my vision and I look down at my body on a bed, a stripy gown wrapped around me. There’s no mistaking I’m in a hospital.

How long have I been here?Jack! Where is he?

“Here, have some of this.” VP comes back in holding out a glass of water as I try to sit up.

“Where’s Jack?”

“Wait, let me help you, Mads.”

I grimace at the stabbing pain in my ribs as I try to sit up. VP presses a button, raising the back of the bed. “Jack’s in intensive care,” he exhales, passing me the glass of water.

“He’s alive?” Remembering Jack’s lifeless body next to me makes me shiver with dread.

“Just.” VP sits pinching the bridge of his nose with his eyes closed. He looks broken.

“Are you okay?” I sip my water.

“Mads, I’m fine. Don’t worry about me.” His eyes examine me. “This is my fault.” He rubs his hand through his hair roughly.

“What are you talking about?” I ask confused, but he doesn’t reply. He looks at my broken body, his jaw clenching when he looks back at my face. “You didn’t cause Jack’s truck to crash. None of this is your fault.”

“No, but I brought you here. I put you in danger.” He stands, turning away from me and wipes his tired face with both hands.

“VP.” Tears fall down my face. I need him.

He turns back to me, his eyes swell but no tears fall. It’s clear how hurt he his. He’s beating himself up for what happened. He didn’t hurt me though, Saviours did.

Taking a breath, he sits his body next to mine and lifts an arm to wrap around me gently. His smell surges through my nostrils, his warm body fitting so perfectly next to mine.

This is where I want to be. Always.

VP kisses my head, stroking my arm. Closing my eyes I rest my head against his chest. Sharing a moment of silence, my lips part as I go to speak. A knock then comes from the door. “Sorry to interrupt.” A kind looking nurse enters the room, closing the door behind her. “How are we today, Madison?” I don’t even know what day it is or how long I’ve been in here.

“Okay.”I think. VP leaves my side, moving to stand by the door. I can’t take my eyes off him.

“How’s the pain?” she asks.

“Uh, my ribs hurt and my head aches.”

She waits for me to look at her before talking. “Not surprising. You have two broken ribs and had quite a bash to your head. There were also a few lacerations to your legs, and you’ve got a nasty bruise on your cheek.”

I spot VP shaking his head as the nurse reads out my injury list. He looks so angry when he catches my eye. “Pretty lucky given the apparent state of the vehicle if you ask me.”

Only two broken ribs? My chest feels like all of them are broken.

“Do you know what day it is or how long you’ve been here?”

“No, sorry.”

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