Page 118 of Straight to Me

“I love you too, Mads.”

“Can we go home soon?” I move my hand to the side of his stubbly face.

“I’ll book a flight as soon as they say you can leave.”

Kissing me again lightly, he sits on the edge of the bed close to me. A comfortable silence fills the room, both of us just happy to have each other. “I thought I’d lost you.” His voice is gruff, like he’s holding back tears.

Mentally running over every sordid thing that’s happened recently, my face feels hot. A harsh lump dries out my mouth.

“I tried to jump out of Jack's truck when we drove away from you.”

His eyes widen. “What?”

“I saw you shoot someone. I tried to jump out to get to you,” I swallow. VP frowns at me. “Jack wouldn’t let me though. He told me I’d get myself killed. Or worse, get you killed… VP I can’t shake seeing you ducking behind a car and not being able to help you.” My head falls into my hands, my voice catching as my emotions get the better of me.

“You tried to jump out of the car, to saveme?”His voice cracks, the low masculine tone sounds fractured.

“I promised to always run straight to you.” Tears leave my eyes. VP moves quickly kissing me tenderly, his hands scrunching in my hair.

“I owe Jack my life for stopping you,” he breathes, holding my head in his hands. My hands hold on to his arms. Resting his forehead on mine, we don’t move until absolutely necessary.

Later, we’re given visiting access to Jack. Exceptional mitigating circumstances is what the nurse said. I’m crying before I even see him. VP holds my hand after I refuse the wheelchair the nurse tries to give me. We walk together along the hospital corridors.

My ribs ache, however, the burning pain has subsided somewhat thanks to the medication. The less I moan and the more I do for myself, I figure the quicker I’ll get out of here.

As we approach Jack’s door, I fiddle with the necklace now around my neck. “You ready?” VP lightly strokes my hand in his. I nod as he opens the door.

Taking small steps into the room, I find Jack asleep on his bed. Tubes and wires come out from all over his fragile body. For a man of his size, he looks so delicate. Warm tears run to my mouth. I have to wipe my face using my gown to be able to see him properly.

A nurse walks in, quietly closing the door behind her. “Hi.” Her voice is quiet and caring. “Although it looks a lot, Jack’s actually making good progress.”

“How bad is he?” I ask, my voice hushed.

“He had an op to remove a blood clot on the brain. He also suffered a collapsed lung but is now breathing by himself, and we’re yet to know what mobility he’ll have in his legs. Overall, it’s good news so far.”

I look at a wide-eyed VP. “But, you don’t know if he can walk yet?” he asks. My hand tightens around his.

“No, not yet,” the nurse replies. “Once he’s fully awake, we’ll be able to start assessing. Until then, he needs rest and to regain his strength. He’s very lucky you got him here so quick, Mr Carter.” She nods at VP. He looks disgusted, like he doesn’t deserve the praise.

“Are you brothers?”

“Cousins.”

“Well, he’s lucky to have you.”

“Lucky—?”

“—thank you, for letting us see him. Can we have a minute together?” I say, cutting him off.

The nurse looks at VP, his face has turned a deep shade of red. He’s getting upset and angry again. “Certainly. I’ll give you some space,” she says.

I walk towards Jack and manage to perch on the edge of the bed next to him. VP stands on the other side, still reeling internally.

“Can he hear us?” I wonder.

“I think so. He just might not respond.” The monitors beep and bleep. We stare at him.

“Jack, if you can hear me, I…” I falter, stroking his hand by his side. The same hand I held in the van. I was positive he'd squeezed mine before the Saviours dragged him away.

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