Page 145 of Fall of a Kingdom

She was staring into space,and I wasn’t sure she’d even heard me come into her room. I sat in the chair by her bedside and waited.

Waited for her to rain hell down on me for making the call that saved her life.

“God damn you to hell,” she whispered.

“Da.” I sighed. “I thought that would be your reaction.”

“Thank you.”

I frowned. “I don’t understand.”

Barrett’s head turned and her eyes met mine. “You gave me another chance at life.”

I rubbed the back of my neck. “I don’t understand. I thought for sure you’d be pissed as fuck at me.”

“I am pissed as fuck. This was not the outcome I expected. But I don’t think I’m allowed to be angry at you. We’ve been in this situation before. Only, you were the one lying in the bed and you were begging me for something.”

“You were strong enough to deliver it.”

“Are you saying you weren’t strong enough to let me die?” she asked pointedly.

“You had a chance at life. I wasn’t going to be the one to end it. Besides, you made me your medical advocate in case Flynn was unavailable. Thanks for telling me, by the way.”

She sighed.

“Dr. Elmond told me the probabilities and the risks. I made a decision. I went with my gut. Pure gut instinct. Iknewyou’d live Barrett. I knew you’d still beyou.”

“You’re kidding me.” She raised her eyebrows. It looked comical considering she had no real hair line anymore since they’d shaved her head. “You based my entire future off ofgut instinct?”

“I stand by my decision.”

She paused for a moment and then nodded slowly. “You told Flynn.”

“No. I confirmed what Hawk had told him. It should’ve been you.”

“I know.”

“You’re not mad at me for that.”

“Was that a question or a statement?”

“Statement. We have history.”

“Yes.”

“You’ve seen me at my most vulnerable.”

“I have,” she agreed.

“I sat by your bedside until Flynn came. I never left.”

Barrett reached her hand out to me. “We’re family, Sasha. Always. Nothing will ever change that.”

I took her hand. It was warm, reminding me that she was alive.

“How are you feeling?” I asked.

“Like I just had brain surgery.”