Page 58 of Fallen Empire

“We may need to ask the nurse how much she can have.”

It was logical. Practical. But I didn’t give a shit.

“If she’s thirsty, she’s drinking. Go ask if you want, but I’m giving her more.”

I poured water back into the styrofoam cup and returned to her side, pressing the straw to her lips again. She hesitated, just for a second, but then her mouth closed around it. And this time, she stopped just before the water was gone.

“Is that enough?” I asked, still holding the straw close to her lips.

“Thank you.” She said with a slight nod. Almost sounding like the Savannah Sinclair I was used to.

“I’ll leave it right here, and if you want more, you just ask. Or point at it. I don’t care, but whatever you need, we’ll get it for you.”

Her eyes were fully open now, alert, watching me. God, even barely alive she was the most beautiful being I’d ever seen. I smiled at her. Truly smiled.

“I missed you.” It was the truth. No point in keeping it inside. The right side of her lip curled up. Not a full smile, but I’d take it.

I slid back into the chair beside her and pulled it in close until our arms brushed.

“If I hold your hand, will it hurt?” I asked quietly.

She glanced down, and I followed her gaze. Her fingers were open, palm up. An invitation. One I didn’t hesitate to take.

I moved my hand under hers and laced my fingers loosely through hers, holding just tight enough to feel her warmth. Cautiously avoiding the tubes pumping fluid into her body.

“But does it hurt, Savannah?” I asked again, softer this time.

She shook her head.

I exhaled through my nose and ran my thumb along the edge of her hand, careful to avoid the spot where the IV needle was taped into the top of it.

Then I thought about the one thing that might bring a smile to her face.

I hesitated before reaching into my pocket. The thin chain was tangled around my fingers, the tinyScharm catching in the dim hospital light.

“I think this belongs to you.” My voice was quiet, almost unsure.

Her brow furrowed, eyes flicking to the necklace in my hand. For a second, she just stared. Like she wasn’t sure it was real. Then her lips parted on a sharp inhale.

“My mother’s,” she whispered, the words trembling. “She gave it to me on my wedding day. Something old…”

I leaned closer, careful of the lines and wires, and clasped it gently around her neck. The charm rested just above her collarbone, right where it had been the day I first saw her.

“I found it,” I told her, my throat tight. “When I…” I wasn’t ready to talk about it all with her just yet. “Before I found you.”

“Thank you.” The words were soft but heavy, like they carried more weight than she had strength to give.

I squeezed her hand again. “I’ll keep finding you, Savannah. Every damn time.”

Her eyelids were heavy again, fighting to stay open.

I gave her hand one last squeeze and leaned closer. “You don’t have to stay awake. I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere.”

She blinked slowly, lashes fluttering against her cheek.

But I wasn’t done.

“Damn it, Savannah…” My voice dropped, rougher now. “Don’t ever do anything like that again. You hear me?”