Chapter 28 #2
The pulled curtains blocked the moon from flowing inside, only the light from the hallway casting a glow through the room. His sister lay tucked into the large hospital bed with her eyes shut. Monitors beeped beside her, and the smell of disinfectant hung heavy in the air.
Connor pulled out the chair beside the bed and motioned for Evelyn to sit then sank onto the side of the mattress and grabbed Monica’s hand. “Monica, can you hear me? It’s Connor.”
Evelyn clasped her hands in her lap, her spine straight and rigid.
Monica’s eyes fluttered open and locked on Connor. A small smile lifted her lips. “You’re here.” The smile faded and fear filled her eyes. “Did you find him? Is he gone?”
He wiped a strand of hair from her forehead. “I found Gabriel, and he’ll never bother you again.”
“What about the other man? The one who took me?”
“In jail. Along with Gabriel’s father. You don’t need to worry. You’re safe.”
She drew the blanket to her chin with a trembling hand. “I don’t think I’ll ever feel safe.”
“You will,” Evelyn said.
Monica’s gaze flew to her. “Who are you?”
Connor twisted to face Evelyn. He stroked the back of her hand, squeezing before resting his palm on her knuckles. “This is Evelyn. Gabriel had his sights set on her, too. She’s a big reason why you’re safe now.”
Evelyn stared past Connor and focused on Monica. “I don’t know about that, but I do know what it’s like to be a pawn in someone else’s sick game. It leaves deep scars, but with people you love by your side, you can work through it. Face the demons and get on with your life.”
“It doesn’t seem possible,” Monica said. “Not after everything...”
“Shhh,” Connor said. “I’m here for you. Whatever you need.”
Evelyn rose to her feet and stood beside Connor. The bruises and slashes on Monica’s face twisted her gut. “I felt the same way for a very long time. Not just because of Gabriel. I understand how you feel, and I’m proof that life does go on.”
Connor wrapped an arm around her waist. “Evelyn’s going to be around for a long time, and I can’t wait for you to get to know each other, but for now, you need to rest. Do you want me to stay here with you?”
His sister yawned and shook her head. “No need for that. I’m fine. I just want to sleep.”
Connor knitted together his brows.
Evelyn glanced over her shoulder at a tiny loveseat pressed against the wall. “What if we stay for a while. Just to make sure you’re settled?”
“That’d be nice.” Relief played on Monica’s face.
No way she wanted to be alone after all she’d been through, even if she was safe. And Evelyn wanted to prove she wasn’t just here for Connor, but Monica, too. Monica and she were bonded by this nightmare, and Connor—well, they still had a lot to figure out.
Connor stood and brushed his lips to Monica’s cheek. “We’ll stay as long as you want.” He laced his fingers with Evelyn’s and tugged her toward the seat.
She nestled against his side, his arm circling her. All the pain melted from her body when she was in his arms. Comfortable silence lingered between them as they both kept their gazes locked on Monica, the hum and beep of the machines the only sound in the room.
Connor nuzzled his mouth against her ear. “Thank you for staying.”
She tilted up her chin. “I’d do anything for you. Even spending the night on the most uncomfortable furniture on earth.”
A deep chuckle rumbled from his throat, and he swooped down to capture her lips with his. He pulled back and questions filled his eyes. “Did you mean what you said? That you can get past your scars? Are you ready to let down your walls?”
She sucked in a deep breath.
She’d stared down a monster tonight, fighting for her life with all she had. But this moment, this conversation with a man she cared for so damn deeply, was way more terrifying.
She cupped his cheek with her palm. “I do. You’ve shown me a life hidden in the shadows isn’t a life I want to live anymore. I want all the things I thought I could never have—a family of my own, a man I love. I want it all.”
“And where do I fit in with your big new plans for life?”
She grinned. “Right smack dab in the middle of it. I want to know everything about you, grow together. I want to continue what we’ve started, not afraid of where it leads us.”
He rested his forehead on hers. “I want that, too. This past week is proof that life is way too short not to go after what you want—not to let fear of losing someone keep you from happiness. I want you in my life, Evelyn. I want to be yours.”
Joy spread through every inch of her. “I never thought I’d meet someone who could chase away all of my demons, but you did.”
A lock of hair fell forward, and he tucked it behind her ear, his hand lingering at her jawline. “We did it together, and we’ll keep tackling whatever comes our way for as long as you keep me around.”
Her heart sang, and she pressed herself against him. She brushed her lips to his then laid her head on his chest, soaking in the feel of him. He was right. They had done it together, and she’d have him by her side to fight whatever came their way.