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“I can have that arranged.” She smirked.

“And even then, I will rise from hell and haunt your ass before you ever decide to give yourself to another man.”

Just the idea alone of another man touching her, kissing her, sticking his dick in what’s mine made me want to peel off my skin.

We sat in silence, the air heavy around us. I found myself looking away, reluctant to press her further. Yet the longing to kiss her was overwhelming, a deep yearning that begged for release, craving just a taste of her intoxicating sweetness. But when she finally broke the stillness, my heart leaped to my throat.

“Why didn't you tell me about your mom?” Her voice was so soft I barely heard her.

I took a breath, forcing myself to meet her gaze. “You had enough to deal with. I wasn’t sure when the right moment would come,” I replied.

As the light caught her face just right, I noticed her amber eyes sparkled with unshed tears. “I’m so sorry,” she sobbed, tears spilling down her cheeks. “It’s my fault.”

I shot up from my seat. “The fuck it is,” I declared. “It is not your fault.”

“But she wouldn’t have come down to find me if?—”

“IfIhadn’t put you down there in the first place,” I interjected, my own words ringing hollow. If anyone bore the weight of responsibility, it was me.

She buried her face in her hands, her body trembling with silent sobs. “I saw her fly against the wall… Her neck twisted from the impact.”

I clenched my eyes shut trying to erase the haunting image of my mother’s vacant stare from that night.

Gigi kept apologizing, though she had nothing to be sorry for. Seizing the moment, I leaned in and wrapped my arms around her, feeling the warmth of her body against mine. To my astonishment, she clutched my waist tightly, her fingers gripping my shirt like it was a means to survive. I savored this moment, relishing the thrill of holding my angel close to me once again.

“I’m so mad at you,” she whispered against my chest.

“I know, baby,” I murmured, my heart aching as I longed to erase the hurt I had etched into her heart and soul.

I wanted to press my lips against hers, to reclaim her, but the moment was interrupted by a knock at the door as the nurse entered.

My eyes stayed on my girl, my gaze fierce and unwavering. “This conversation isn’t over,” I warned her, set on proving my worth.

She was a challenge I was willing to accept, no matter the cost.

“Am I being released?” I asked the nurse.

“Yes,” she replied. “The doctor believes you’ve made significant progress. It’s time to continue your recovery in the comfort of your own home.”

Home. I didn’t even know where that was anymore.

“Here are your discharge papers,” the nurse said, handing me the paperwork with a gentle touch. “You can take one 800 milligrams of Ibuprofen every six hours. Stay hydrated and keep up with your range of motion exercises.”

I nodded, absorbing her instructions. “Got it,” I replied.

“Be sure to follow up with your primary doctor in one week,” she continued, her tone turning serious. “If you notice anything unusual like increased pain, bleeding, fever, or swelling, go to the hospital immediately.”

“Okay, I will. Thank you.”

She smiled. “Just take it one day at a time. Your body and mind have been through a lot. Continuing to see your therapistis important. There are great support groups for trauma survivors.”

She was only trying to help, but the thought of revisiting those memories felt suffocating. I wanted to move forward, not dwell on what had happened.

“Thank you,” I said, forcing a smile.

She patted my shoulder and grabbed the wheelchair. “Okay, in you go.”

“I’ll take it from here,” Nico interrupted her, sending a jolt through me.