Page 190 of Reckless Storm


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My thoughts exactly, but I can’t tell if she’s pissed off or processing what I said. “Reed, honey.” She walks slowly to the other side of the bed, cautiously reaching for his other hand as though suddenly looking at him in a new light. “I’m sorry. We’ll be better. We—”

“It’s okay, I—”

“No, Hayley’s right. We almost lost you, and I never would have forgiven myself if we had. We’ll be better.”

Reed’s dad joins his wife's side, and I feel awkward hanging around. “I’m going to let the others know you’re awake.” I pull my hand from Reed's grasp, but he’s faster than I am and grabs me again, holding me tightly.

“Don’t go. Not yet.”

“I promise I’ll be right back.” I shake myself free before excusing myself and darting to the door, hearing Reed’s mom cry as I softly pull it shut behind me.

Instead of heading to find the others like I said I would, the second I’m in the hallway, I catch a glimpse of Zane’s room down the hall, and I’m overcome with emotion, collapsing to the floor as my chest heaves. Reed’s okay. He’s okay. But I almost lost him and—

The door opens to Zane’s room, drawing my attention as one of Reed’s nurses walks out, her hand covering her mouth, visiblyupset. My heart seizes before the first tear falls. I’m not equipped for this. I fake emotion. I can’t handle the real deal.

“Hayley. Fuck.” Luke’s voice enters my consciousness and I glance up to see him running toward me. “I just left you. What happened?” He drops to the ground beside me, pulling me into his arms. “Is—”

“Reed’s awake.” I wipe under my eyes. “He’s okay.”

“Jesus, fuck. You gave me a heart attack.”

I cringe as the nurse passes by. “Sorry. I guess I’m not used to these heavy emotions.”

Luke nods because he gets me, but at the same time, I can tell he’s not entirely sure what to say. “If he’s okay, why are you out here?”

“He’s with his parents.”

“And they kicked you out?” He balks and the look of disgust makes me snort.

“No, I left to give them space, and to find you, to tell you that he’s good.”

“Well, you did a great job at that.” He bumps his shoulder to mine teasingly and I actually laugh.

“Thanks, Luke. I needed that. No offense, but I wish Amelia was here.”

“You and me both, Hayls. You and me both.”

We fall silent, and I sigh as my mind drifts to the events that brought us all here.

“Have you seen Zane?” I ask, my gaze shifting to his room again. “I tried to visit yesterday but he was asleep.”

Luke nods. “They cleared him to leave last night.”

“He’s gone?” I’m not sure why but panic runs through me.

“Nah, he’s around.” Luke eases my mind. “He’s been waiting for Reed to wake up. Just like the rest of us.” My heart jolts as Zane’s words come rushing back to me.“Shh. It’s okay. Shh.”

“He’s a better guy than we all realised, huh?”

“Yep. It turns out, he’s not so bad. He just made some bad decisions.”

“And some good ones.”

I fall silent again, and after another deep breath, I shake off my sadness and jump up, dragging Luke with me. “Should we go and see Zane and the others?”

His mind elsewhere, Luke frowns at something over my shoulder, grabbing my hand. “The police are coming this way. Do you want me to stay?”

I glance behind me to see two officers walking in my direction and suck in a breath. “No, that's okay. You tell the others. I’ve got this.”