Page 3 of While He Breathes

“While that may be the case, she has shown that, at least to some extent, she is a danger to herself. I understand that this is a difficult situation, and that your emotions are heightened because you found her, but it’s important we evaluate not only her physical injuries, but the ones in her mind as well.”

I suck in a breath, ready to argue again, but Killian’s hand closes over my shoulder, cutting me off before I can get a word out.

“Can he see her?” Killian asks.

“Unfortunately not.” He hesitates again, and I don’t miss the way his eyes flick over his shoulder at the closed door behind him. “Until Ember wakes up, we aren’t able to confirm where theother injuries she had when she came in came from, and it would be poor duty of care for us to allow anyone in that could have been the source of those injuries.”

Anger slams into me, and I step forward, only to be tugged back against Killian. “I would never hurt Ember,” I growl. “Those bruises had nothing to do with me.”

He swallows heavily. “I have no doubt, but it’s hospital policy. We will be admitting Ember to the psych ward as soon as she gets the last of her transfusions, and we’ll confirm how she obtained those bruises.”

“You’re saying I won’t be able to see her until after the seventy-two-hour hold?” I ask, my voice rough and broken.

“Unfortunately, yes. I can’t imagine what you’re going through, Mr. Henderson, but I assure you, we only want what’s best for Ember.”

Logically, I know what he’s saying is true, and if it were anyone else lying in that bed, I would agree. But it’s not anyone else. It’s Ember. It’s my queen. My love. My fucking life.

“Thank you, Doctor,” Killian says, his voice even despite how tight his hold on my shoulder is. I guess the last thing I need is to get arrested for killing a doctor who delivered bad news.

He gives us a single nod before leaving the room so quickly that it would be comical under normal circumstances.

Killian appears in front of me. “I’m going to organize round-the-clock security for the hospital. We may not be able to get near the ward she’s on, but I’ll make sure no one can hurt her while she’s here.”

I nod, unable to form any kind of response.

“And don’t worry about work. I’ll get it sorted.”

“Thank you,” I murmur.

I thought I knew hopelessness. I thought I knew pain. I thought I knew fear. But if today has taught me anything, it’s that I didn’t know a fucking thing.

“Find me Lucas Trainer. I think his head will be a nice welcome home gift for Ember for all he’s done.”

And it’ll give me something to focus on so I’m not the one breaking into the psychiatric ward.

CHAPTER TWO

EMBER

Iknow before I even open my eyes that I’m in the hospital.

Which means I failed.

But the weird thing is, I think I’m relieved I’m not dead.

As I sliced into my wrists with agony, tearing through my very soul, I was sure death would be a kinder fate. All I’ve ever known is pain and suffering. And the one time I allowed myself to let go, to feel love and happiness, I had my heart pulled from my chest, then stomped on.

But it all feels different on the other side.

Clearer almost.

The curtain tugs to the side, and a man in a white coat looks up from his chart, surprise filling his light eyes. “You’re awake,” he notes.

I nod, not bothering to respond. Captain Obvious here doesn’t need one.

“How are you feeling?”

“Fine,” I say, my voice devoid of emotion.