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“You were mine the second I saw you,” I rasp, running my thumb up and down her palm. “And if you think I’m ever going to let you go, you’re fucking mad.”

Of course, she doesn’t answer.

“Every time you run, I’ll catch you.”

The rest of the world fades away as I watch her sleep like it’s the only thing I know how to do anymore.

Dr. Voss enters the room. “You’re awake,” she says, smiling. “If you want to let go and join me, I can give you a full update.”

I straighten, only now realizing my forehead is resting on Piper’s stomach, and I’m still holding her hand. Fuck, I must have fallen asleep. As I look toward the door, I notice Cy leaning against it.

“I’ve been keeping watch,” he informs.

Looking at Voss, I shake my head. “I’m comfortable right here,” I reply. “I’m not letting go.”

She huffs softly, but instead of arguing, she catches me up on what I’ve missed. “She’s been stable for the last two hours,” Voss begins, her tone professional. “Breathing’s regular, heart rate’s back in a safer range. The tox screen confirmed Benzo. Fortunately, the dosage wasn’t lethal, so her liver’s already processing it. But it’ll be a slow ride.”

My fingers tighten slightly around Piper’s.

“I’ve got her on fluids, and we’re keeping her under observation through the rest of the night. She’ll sleep it off, most likely wake up groggy, confused. But I don’t expect any long-term damage.”

Relief punches through me, low and hot. I let out a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding.

“We’ll need to monitor her for residual side effects such as headaches, memory gaps, and there is a possibility of severe nausea but nothing indicates lasting harm.” Voss’ voice softens. “You got her here in time.”

“Of course I fucking did.”

Voss doesn’t respond to that. Just huffs and mumbles something under her breath about charging me millions so she can go on vacation. That makes my lips twitch and I almost smile at her back as she leaves again.

With Voss gone, Cy moves closer and clears his throat. “I’ve already had Static shut down. The owner lost his liquor license and the police have ransacked the place. You’ll never guess how many drugs they found there.”

“I want every person responsible charged as harshly as possible,” I growl.

“Already one step ahead of you,” Cy smirks. “Between the stash behind the bar and what staff had on them, no one’s walking away clean.”

“Good.”

If it wasn’t for the women who tagged my toy on social media, I wouldn’t have even known she was out partying. Fuck, I almost didn’t go to Static. I was torn between waiting for her in her apartment, and dragging her out of the club.

When I walked in, I still hadn’t decided if I was going to drag her out by the hair or fuck her against a wall until she remembered who she belongs to. But when I saw Ben corner her and his hands all over her, all that mattered was getting him away from her.

I shift in the chair and reach up to cup Piper’s cheek. Her skin is still warm, her breath steady. I swear I’d rip out my own fucking heart if it meant she’d open her eyes.

“You’re safe now,” I whisper. “And next time you run it better betowardme. Because if you run from me again, I’ll chase you into Hell.”

Now that I know she’ll be fine, I can finally fucking breathe again. That doesn’t mean I’m leaving. I’m staying put. And once she’s ready to get out of here, I’ll go back with her. Because if I’ve learned one thing, it’s that I’ve given my toy way too much freedom, and that ends now.

Chapter 30

Piper

I’m fading in and out of consciousness. My thoughts are muggy and unclear.

All I can smell is the pungent scent of chemicals, like a mixture of antiseptic and something I can’t place. I try to move, but nothing’s happening.

My skin tingles, and my limbs feel heavy. Wrong. Like I’ve been rewired while I was sleeping. I try to open my eyes, but my lids are too laden with exhaustion to move. My eyebrows twitch as I focus on breathing.

Where am I?