Page 82 of Death, Interrupted

He pressed his lips into a line and took a slow step forward, then another, and he looked like he was waiting for me to scream at him again. I hated that I had done that, because he truly didn’t deserve it.

“Come,” I nudged, holding out my hand for him.

When he took it, I pulled him closer with the little strength I had in me and made him sit down on the edge of the bed.

He looked me up and down, shaking his head while muttering a curse. “I’m so fucking sorry he did this to you, Sumner.”

I was sorry too, but I was used to it. I bit back a stupid grin. “To be fair…he’s done worse in the past.”

He shook his head again, squeezing my hand tightly. “Don’t say shit like that.”

“Sorry,” I whispered, dropping my gaze to our hands. “Humor’s just always been how I’ve dealt with it.”

“I get it.” He brushed his thumb along the back of my hand. “You just shouldn’t have to deal with this. Nobody should.”

I knew that, and I agreed. But life was unfair, and after being good all my life, and always being kind and respectful, I still became a victim of violence. Because the universe didn’t care what kind of person you are.

I looked at him again and tried to smile. “Thank you for still beinghere.”

“Are you kidding?” He sighed and reached up with his right hand to cup the side of my head as gently as he possibly could. “I would sleep on a damn chair in a cold waiting room every damn night for you.”

That got an actual laugh out of me. He managed to make me laugh without even trying, and since I’ve first met him, I had told myself to cherish it. To cherish him. Because he truly cared about me when I thought no person ever would.

“You’ve really been out there all night?” I asked, my voice soft.

“Of course. My neck’s all sore now, but it’ll pass.”

I furrowed my brows when I remembered that I wasn’t the only one being knocked off his bike. “Are you okay? Did you get hurt?”

He shook his head and gave me a smile that told me not to worry. “I’m fine.”

The memory of him lying there, not moving, came back, and it freaked me out. My heart started beating faster, and my hands started to sweat. “But you were…you didn’t move. Why didn’t you move?”

“Because I couldn’t,” he told me quietly, trying to keep me calm by taking both my hands in his. “I let them do a checkup on me, and the doctor said I must’ve hit my back so hard that I got temporarily paralyzed, but I’m much better now.”

“What?” I sucked in a shaky breath. “Oh my God, Sly…”

“Hey.” He smiled and patted my hands. “I’m okay. There are no signs of permanent damage.”

Good.

That’s good.

That explained why he couldn’t help me.

“Y-you—” I swallowed hard before asking a question I could’ve answered myself, but I needed to hear it from him. I needed the reassurance. “You would’ve helped me if you were able to move, right? You would’ve stopped him.”

“Of course I would’ve stopped him, Sumner. God, I would’ve killed the bastard if I had gotten my hands on him. And I’m so fucking angry that I didn’t.”

“Okay,” I whispered.

He stayed quiet for a moment, and I hated that look on his face. It wasn’t just the anger he carried toward Joey, but also the pain that I had caused by asking that question.

“Sly…” I took one hand out of his grip and touched his cheek gently. “I’m sorry. I know you would’ve done anything to save me, but I just—”

“Don’t.” He placed his hand over mine and brought it to his lips to kiss my palm. “You have every right to protect yourself. I know you trust me, and you never have to apologize for being too careful.”

It still wasn’t right.