Chapter 45
Russ
The room feels different.
Lighter.
Like something shifted.
Olivia’s breathing is still slow—but stronger.
More consistent.
I haven’t let go of her hand.
Not once.
Her lashes move again.
Longer this time.
A faint crease forms between her brows.
She’s fighting.
Really fighting.
“Yeah,” I murmur, leaning closer. “Stay with me.”
Her lips part slightly.
No words.
Not yet.
But she’s there.
I can feel it.
“Take your time,” I tell her. “I’m not going anywhere.”
That’s a promise.
One I don’t intend to break.
Olivia
Light.
It hurts.
Too bright.
Too sharp.
I try to turn away.
Can’t.
Something holds me still.
No—
not something.
Someone.
Warmth.
Familiar.
Safe.
Russ.
The name settles before I can even think it.
My eyes try to open.
Fail.
Try again.
This time—
they crack.
Just barely.
Blurred shapes.
Light.
Movement.
Then—
him.
Close.
Watching me.
Like he’s been there the whole time.
“Hey,” he says softly.
My throat feels raw.
Dry.
“…you…”
The word barely forms.
But he hears it.
Of course he does.
A breath of something like relief breaks across his face.
“I’m here.”