Chapter 51 NANCY
A THIN SHAFT OF LIGHT was the first thing I was aware of.
My eyes were slits, gritty from sleep, but after a minute, I managed to open them wider.
Daylight blurred across my vision from a broad window.
Then, I became aware of colours. Pale green walls surrounded me, accentuated by vase upon vase of vibrant bouquets.
My arms rested on crisp laundered sheets while I reclined on an electric bed.
Then, the smell hit me.
It was so similar to Alex’s cologne that my lips curled into a smile. I spotted the reed diffuser on the table beside me, next to several bright cards wishing me a speedy recovery. When I turned, I found Alex dozing next to me.
I shifted to touch him, but the movement of a tube stopped me. When I looked down, I saw a cannula taped to my hand. A shudder travelled through me. “Alex,” I said in a raspy voice I barely recognised. “Alex,” I managed a little louder.
Alex stirred, then his eyes slowly opened. He bolted upright. “You’re awake!”
“Where am I?”
“In the hospital. You had an accident.” He brushed my face like he was checking I was real.
“Have you been waiting here?”
“Yes, and Tracy too. How are you feeling?”
“I don’t know…hazy, stiff,” I said, trying to sit up.
Alex stopped me. “You need to stay still until the doctor checks you over. You have a bad concussion.” He raised his hand. “How many fingers am I holding up?”
“Um, I’m not sure…maybe six.”
The corner of his mouth rose, and he tapped my nose with a single digit. “You’re fine, thank goodness.”
I gave him a groggy grin, then my brow furrowed. “I was gonna see Mum.”
“That’s right. You were riding to World’s End.”
An image flashed: a chrome grille, a split-second reaction. “There was a car. It was coming at me.”
“It was Mimi. She tried to kill you. But you’re safe, she’s in custody.”
“What?” I said in disbelief. “She’s lost it.”
“I helped push her there, and you paid the price. Now, I’ll make sure she pays for what she did,” Alex said grimly.
I clocked his creased clothes, long stubble, and hollow jade eyes. “I’m so happy to wake up to you.” I took his hand, rubbing my thumb over his knuckles.
“That makes two of us, bella.” His expression soothed as he watched me, then he rose and poured a cup of water. “Only take little sips. It’s been some time since you last drank,” he instructed with his usual authority.
Smiling to myself, I sipped, feeling the pleasant coolness waking my throat. I looked about the sizable room. “This is pretty nice for a hospital.”
“I didn’t want you to wake in a ward smelling of antiseptic.”
“Mission accomplished, it smells like you in here. A girl could get used to it.”
He looked longingly at me. “God, I’ve missed you.”
“Don’t take this the wrong way, but you look kinda rough. I’m not complaining. There has to be a first time for everything.” I imagined what I looked like and felt grateful that no mirrors were positioned nearby.
“I haven’t slept much, but I will now I know you’re okay.” He traced my lips with the pad of his thumb. “I hope you realise I’m never letting you out of my sight.”
“What if I need to pee?”
Alex rested back beside me. “I think you have a catheter for that.”
“You always tell me the sweetest things, boo,” I laughed hoarsely. My bright expression brought tears to his eyes. Reaching over, I stroked the rough stubble on his cheek. “It’s okay, Alex. I’m safe.”
“Yes, you are.” He tried to compose himself. “I’ve been a fool about everything, and you’re the one who’s paid the price. But I promise you, things will be different. Better.
“We both walked into this blind, but that’s probably the most normal thing about us.”
A tear trailed down Alex’s cheek, and I wiped it away with my thumb. “I can’t believe I almost lost the most beautiful person I’ve ever met—inside and out.”
I laughed. “It’s been a long wait if you find me hot in a lilac hospital gown.”
“I would find you delectable in a clown suit, and they scare the shit out of me.”
I burst out with a raspy laugh, and Alex moved in, brushing my lips. As always, I was a feast to his famine.