Page 102 of Knot The Only Onee

It was the truth.

"You know that's what Bridget would say, too." He pinned James and me with his piercing eyes. "So don't feel like you haven't done enough or don't have any answers. We're hours away from where they are. There's nothing we could do immediately anyway."

James rounded the bed and slipped in behind Lucas. He kissed the top of his head, his touch lingering as he inhaled sharply. "Fuck, cub. You put it better than anyone else could. Noah feels guilty, but I know he shouldn't."

I snorted. "You feel guilty too. Don't even lie."

James' brows rose into his hairline. "You can read my mind now?"

I flipped him off. Letting it go, because I didn't want to waste the energy, I felt around until I knew where Bridget was positioned beneath the blankets. I crawled close to her and wrapped my arms around her. I let out a deep breath and let her nearness settle my wayward emotions.

Lucas and James were right. There wasn't anything I could do right now, or even today. We had to put our faith in the people around us and hope that everything would work out.

Although, the aching feeling in my gut still plagued me, and I worried it might be an omen of things to come.

CHAPTER49

Bridget

Ijolted up in bed, a scream lodged in my throat as the world swirled around me. My nails clawed at my chest, trying to rip off the invisible restraints that made it difficult to breathe.

Arms surrounded me, and I fought them. "Let me go!"

Their voices echoed in my ears, the sounds muffled as if my hearing was blocked.

Light pierced through my field of vision, and I blinked as I realized the weight on my chest was blankets.

"Bridget."

The puzzle still didn't completely form in my anxiety-riddled, sleepy mind.

Who was talking? The voices sounded familiar, but I couldn't place them.

Scents filtered in my nostrils. Fresh pine, sweet cherry blossoms, and basil and mint. How did I know those scents?

Bright teal eyes belonging to a handsome man with messy blond hair hovered over me.

My brain finally connected the dots as memories came rushing back.

"Sorry," I rasped out, clearing my throat as I felt like I was swallowing sandpaper. "Meds always make me a bit loopy after."

Lucas handed me a bottle of water after James and Noah helped me into a sitting position. I sucked down the water greedily, the cool liquid soothing to my mouth and throat. Ugh. I hated how the meds made me the next day. I felt like a zombie. Every move of my body was sluggish and exaggerated. Even blinking was a chore.

"Shhh, it's okay." Lucas wrapped an arm around my shoulders, and I leaned against him.

“Thank you,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.

Noah moved to my other side and turned my face toward his. “Don’t apologize, baby girl. You have nothing to be sorry for or about. This is not your fault. This is the fault of a madman.”

Tears burned in the backs of my eyes. I knew what he was saying. But I knew if anything happened to Nonna Claudia or any of her family, I’d never forgive myself.

“Simon has one of his good friends, a detective, who immediately went to Chicago to check things out.” James’ eyes burned as he paced along the edge of the bed. “Chicago PD is assisting as well.”

The shrill chime of Noah’s phone made me hiss and cover my ears.

Lucas kissed my forehead as he whispered soothing words next to my ear. "Shhhh, it's just probably Simon or one of Alena's guys."

I turned my neck and snuggled against his chest. I hated the way these meds made me feel. It was like everything was amplified. Sounds. Smells. Sights. My senses were in overdrive, and I was helpless to stop them.