19. Chapter Eighteen Savannah
Chapter Eighteen: Savannah
On the ride back to Voss’s apartment, I begin to feel worse and worse. What began as dizziness spirals into a migraine and then waves of stomach cramps cripple me.
“Hang on, chérie,” Rhys whispers, holding me close. “We’re almost there.”
Things begin to get fuzzy and I lose track of where everyone is. But I remember Brighton getting behind the wheel and she drives like a maniac. But a maniac with the utmost control, if that makes any sense.
The SUV takes a sharp turn, and I cling to Rhys, fighting through nausea and pretty sure the car is balancing on two wheels.
I have no idea how this is going to end, but the amazing man holding me so close has changed me in the best possible ways.
Thanks to him and this incredible journey, I’ve grown in confidence. And I’ve grown into myself.
Past mistakes don’t define me. Not anymore. It’s time to let go and move on.
Looking up at Rhys through blurry eyes, I realize there’s no one else I’d like to move on with more than him. He’s so much more than what he shows, and when he looks down at me with so much concern in his vivid green eyes, I swear I get a glimpse of his soul. And it’s beautiful.
His hand trails down the back of my head, stroking, and his fingers thread through my hair. “You’re going to be okay,” he keeps whispering.
I appreciate his reassurance so much. But I’m not sure he’s right, because with each passing minute, I feel worse. Like acid is eating me up from the inside out. Squeezing my eyes shut, I curl up, clutching my stomach.
“Savvy? Savvy!”
I jolt upright and think I must’ve passed out for a minute. Rhys is shaking me, voice and eyes laced in panic, and I lay a hand against his stubbled jaw. “Can I tell you something, my forever thief?” I lightly skim my finger over his lips. Lips I’ve loved kissing so much.
“Anything,” he rasps.
“You might’ve stolen my heart, but I’d give it to you a thousand more times.”
His green eyes shimmer. “Savvy—”
“We’re here!” Brighton announces, slamming to a stop.
My reality begins to slip away as blackness edges in, and my hand falls away from his face. He catches it, squeezing. “I’m going to carry you up. I’ve got you, Savvy. Stay with me. You’re so strong. Don’t leave me.” His voice cracks.
I’m so weak, so dizzy. It’s like I’m fading away. Suddenly, my limbs don’t work and I’m scared to close my eyes. Because if I do, I’m terrified I won’t ever open them again. I won’t ever see Rhys’s handsome face or what looks like love shining in his stunning emerald eyes.
“Rhys,” I whisper raggedly, fighting the heaviness trying to pull me under. “I…love…you.”
There. At least I got the words out. If they’re the last words I say, I’m perfectly okay with that. Then the darkness closes in and I lose consciousness.