Page 16

Chapter 16

Mira

White light pierces my eyelids as consciousness returns gradually, like waves lapping at a shore. The steady beep of monitors fills my ears, and I become aware of a warm pressure around my hand.

Ghost.

His large frame is hunched in a hospital chair beside my bed, his calloused fingers intertwined with mine. Dark circles shadow his eyes, and his normally immaculate cut is wrinkled like he's been wearing it for days.

"Hey angel," he murmurs, noticing my stirring. His voice is rough with exhaustion.

"What..." My throat feels like sandpaper. "What happened?"

"Your heart surgery went well. Doctor will be in soon to give you the full update."

Surgery? My free hand drifts to my chest, finding bandages beneath the hospital gown. The last thing I remember is leaving the compound, walking to the diner, and…

"You needed emergency surgery. And a transfusion,” Ghost’s grip on my hand tightens. “Funny thing is, our blood types match. And now, my blood is running through your veins, angel. You're literally carrying a part of me inside you."

The fierce, dominating tone sends tingles through me.

“How…? What happened?”

“You took off. Left the compound and collapsed outside the diner. I called your cardiologist," he says quietly. "Found out the truth.”

Shame burns my cheeks and I turn away. "Ghost, I?—”

"Look at me." He waits until I meet his steel-gray gaze. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"I couldn't bear to be a burden." The words tumble out in a rush. "You've already done so much, and I have no way of repaying you. The surgery costs alone?—“

"You repay me by being alive," he cuts in roughly. "By being here, beside me. You don't understand what you do to me, angel. How you calm the turbulence inside me. How you shine a light on the darkness in my soul."

"But—”

"No buts. I'm never letting you go. Never."

"Never is a long time," I whisper.

"Not long enough." His thumb traces patterns on my palm. "I've been watching you for weeks, you know. Falling in love with you little by little, every time you showered your incredible kindness on one of your customers. Every time you smiled at me—smiled through your own pain."

A tear escapes my lower lid and trails down my cheek.

"When you're healed," he growls softly, "we're going to have a long discussion about you sneaking out of the compound and attempting to leave me. And I might need to warm that pretty backside to drive the lesson home."

Despite everything, a giggle escapes my lips. "Promise?"

His answering grin is both tender and wicked. "Cross my heart, angel."