Page 60 of Anyone But You

“What?”

“We’re getting out of here.”

“Tor—”

“We’re getting out of here,” I repeated in a tone that left no room for argument. Twenty minutes later, I’d managed to wrangle Knox into the raft with as much water as I could carry and a few days of food. “Say bye,” I said as I shoved us into the water. I popped his hand when he gave the island a shaky middle finger.

Badass. That’s why he’s dying now.

“Can’t… hit… a… dead person.”

“You’re dead but perpetrating silver-capped teeth behavior. Right. Stop talking. Close your eyes and get some rest.”

* * *

I’d lost the feeling in my arms long ago, but none of that mattered. I ignored every ache, stab, cramp, and sear of pain and kept paddling because I had no choice. I had a dying husband on my hands, and I knew he’d do whatever he could to save me. Knox’s crazy tail self probably would swim down to Atlantis and annoy those merfolk into helping us. They’d help just to get rid of our asses.

I paused to check on him. He’d been quiet for a minute.

“Still alive,” he whispered as I felt for his pulse.

“Be silent.”

To my dismay, his pulse was weak, barely a noticeable thump against my finger, and despite his deep tan, all color had fled him.

“Make me laugh.”

“Why?” I croaked.

“I like… laughing with you.”

I smiled wryly and set the paddle aside to give myself a little reprieve.

“Do you remember that time I came to work and I was walking around a few days with a limp, and you couldn’t figureout why?” He nodded. “I tried to make a voodoo doll of you and ended up missing and stabbing myself in the leg with the needle.”

I smiled when Knox’s chest shot up and down as he struggled to breathe and laugh. “That… that… was your—”

“Yeah, it was my second day of work.”

“That’s what… you get.” My brows pinched when he started coughing between his words. “Another.”

I wasn’t in the mood to laugh any longer—not when his time was ticking down.

But this is what he wants.

“Once, you received a letter at work from this woman who was a fan of yours. She professed her undying love for you and eagerly awaited a response.”

“You didn’t,” he said, voice rattling in his throat.

“I responded as you and very politely told her you were gay and it would never happen. I forged your signature and everything.”

He grinned painfully. “I get it. You… wanted to mark… your territory,” he said, reaching his hand out.

“Yeah. Something like that,” I whispered, grabbing his hand. Knox’s eyes welled with tears, and that’s when I knew I could quit rowing. “I know your stubborn ass is holding on for me.” He nodded weakly. “Well… I think this is your stop.” He opened his arms for me, and I leaned down to embrace him.

“I love you,” he said, kissing my temple.

“I love you, too, Gio, and before you waste your last breath, I’m not just saying that because you’re dying.”