Chapter Twenty-nine
Maya
I stare down at Dani’s sleeping face, gripping her hand like the lifeline it is.
We made it to the hospital a few hours ago, but they wouldn’t let us back until about an hour ago. She’s been sleeping the whole time, and we’re all desperate to talk to her, but even being in the same room with her has calmed us down a lot.
Andrés is holding her other hand while Jason perches at the end of the bed, holding onto her leg. Victor stands behind me, his hand on my shoulder. He’s the only one who isn’t touching Dani, but I’m grateful for the support he’s giving me.
This is all my fault, and I’m still so fucking mad at myself. I don’t know how the three of them can even stand to look at me. If I hadn’t been a jealous twat, then I wouldn’t have chased Dani away. She wouldn’t have fled to Gary, which is what she apparently told the police.
The detectives found us in the waiting room, letting us know Gary had confessed to everything—including stalking Dani since they were both children. They don’t think he’ll see any jail time—his family lawyer is already hinting at trying for an insanity plea.
I can’t even argue against it because he is insane. He obviously needs help, and I hope he finds it—far away from us.
Just because I hope he gets the help he needs, I in no way forgive him. How can I after what he put Dani through?
He beat the shit out of her—on more than one occasion, according to the detectives.
He broke her cheekbone, a few of her ribs, and one of her legs.
Her face is black and blue, and the rest of her body that we can see is covered in bruises.
She has a head wound that they say is infected.
She’s going to be recovering at the hospital for a while.
Fuck. I wish she would just open her eyes.
I know the chances of her forgiving me are slim to none, but I at least have to get the words out. I have to tell her why I did what I did and that I love her.
After that, if she tells me to get the fuck out, I will. I’ll do whatever the hell she wants—just as long as she opens her eyes and lets me apologize.
My head jerks up when Dani’s hand squeezes mine to find her eyes open and staring right at me.
“Dani!” I shout, jumping to my feet, and that sends all of us into a frenzy as we all ask her how she’s doing.
“Quiet,” she says in barely a whisper, but we all immediately snap our mouths shut. “My head is pounding, and I don’t need all of you yelling. I assume Officer Ellsworth called you?”
I nod. “She called Victor.”
She glances between the four of us. “And you were all together.”
“Of course we were.” Andrés scoffs. “Where the hell else would we be while you were missing?”
Dani’s eyes flicker to me again before she looks away.
“Dani, I’m so fucking sorry—”
“But you were hurt and jealous?” She waves her hand toward me. “I know, but that doesn’t mean your words didn’t hurt me.”
My head drops forward, tears welling in my eyes. “I’m sorry. So sorry. You’ll never understand how sorry.”
Dani sighs, squeezing my hand. “I forgive you.”
“I’m sorry—what?” My head snaps up as I stare at her in disbelief. “What do you mean, you forgive me?”
She laughs before groaning, pulling her hands from mine and Andrés’s and going to her ribs. “Oh, fuck. That really hurts. No more laughing. No one is allowed to be funny anytime soon.”
Victor nudges me aside, running his hand over her forehead. “Do you want me to get the nurse? I’m sure they can give you something for the pain.”
“Nah, they already did.” She picks up a push button I didn’t notice lying on her bed and presses it. A moment later, she lets out a sigh of relief. “See? All good.”
We all silently watch her as her eyes flutter open once more, and she lifts her eyebrows. “Why are you staring at me like that?”
“Do you really forgive Maya?” Andrés voices the question I’m desperate to know the answer to.
“Yes,” she says, turning her attention back to me. “But that in no way means you’re off the hook. I don’t see why we can’t go back to being friends—”
“No.”
She makes a face. “No? What do you mean?”
I scoff. “I mean, I’m in love with you—and Andrés. I don’t want to just be your friend. I want to be part of this family—this relationship—the four of you are building. I’m tired of running and pushing everyone away. Look what that caused! You were kidnapped because of me.”
“No, I was kidnapped because I’ve had a stalker who wasn’t mentally stable for longer than I could’ve ever guessed.” Dani shakes her head. “The blame for that definitely doesn’t lie with you.”
I shrug. “Either way, if I hadn’t been so busy pushing you away, it would’ve made it harder for Gary to kidnap you. I want to give this a chance—if you’ll have me. I love you so fucking much.”
“I love you, too, but this isn’t just about me and what I think or feel.” She considers me for a moment before turning to meet Andrés’s eyes. “How do you feel about this?”
“I think she means what she says. Do I think it’s just going to be all better because she wants it to be? Absolutely not. We’re going to have to be patient with her, and she’s going to have to work hard to overcome her hangups,” Andrés says softly, his eyes lifting to meet mine.
“You need to go to therapy,” Victor adds, nudging me with his arm.
Dani snorts. “Fuck, so do I.”
That sends us into a fit of laughter—well, everyone except Dani, who’s glaring at the rest of us.
“This is your fault,” Jason tells her. “You were the one who was funny.”
I know it isn’t going to be easy, but I’m willing to put in the work. I’m willing to do anything I have to in order to be a part of this family—to keep the people I love in my life.
Even go to therapy.
Sigh.
That’s definitely going to suck.