“I’ll send someone else in,” Chief says, looking me over.
“No. I promised I’d go back for him.”
“You’ve done enough, son. Let someone else go.”
“No. I gave him my word.” If something happens, I need to know I did everything I could. I turn to head back inside, but I’m stopped dead in my tracks when my eyes land on the woman standing in the parking lot across the street.
Ruby is here.
She takes a measured step in my direction, reaching outfor me. I’m certain she has no idea she’s doing it. I shake my head, willing her to stay put. My heart is beating out of my chest with the need to go to her—to reassure her—but there’s no time.
I rush back into the building, only to find a portion of the stairway completely collapsed and a gaping hole in the side of the building leading out to a clear blue sky that is partially obscured by smoke and flames. I make my way around what little of the stairs remain intact as my team urges me to stay down.
I made a promise and I intend to keep it.
When I reach the third-floor landing, I spot him. He’s covered in soot and barely conscious. His body is prone. Blood pools around his crushed leg.
The flames have overtaken the nearby apartment, and I won’t have long to move him. I lift some of the debris that’s keeping him pinned.
He wheezes, his eyes heavily lidded. “It’s ok, Liam,” he says. “Go.”
“I’m not leaving you.” I think of Aiden and Ruby, knowing they’re out there waiting for me. I have to get out of here no matter what; there’s no other choice. I won’t leave them, but I can’t leave Dean, either. Cara would never forgive me, and I would never forgive myself.
“It’s not”—he coughs violently—“safe. Leave. The ring is in my truck. Give it to her.”
I shake my head and remove my helmet, doing the only thing I can think to do. I rip off my mask and place it on Dean’s face. “Breathe. You’re not dying today. I’m getting you out of here, and you can give her the goddamn ring yourself.”
There’s another loud crash, and everything goes dark.
I wake with a start, the intense burning in my lungs and the throbbing in my head warring for supremacy. I try to sit up, but my body is pinned. Panic creeps in until I realize what has me trapped—or rather,who. Golden blonde locks are fanned out across my chest. Her body is wrapped around mine like she’s afraid I’ll disappear.
Ruby’s soft snores fill the quiet of the hospital room, synchronizing with the whirring of the monitors. I stroke a hand over her head, needing to feel her—to confirm she’s real and this isn’t some dream I’ve conjured.
The door swings open, rousing her from sleep.
“Oh, you’re awake,” a nurse in blue scrubs says. “Good. Welcome back, Mr. Murphy.”
Ruby’s head snaps up, and her eyes well with tears before she buries her face against my chest and sobs. She’s speaking, but her words are muffled, and I can’t make out anything.
“As you can see, someone hasn’t left your side.” The nurse checks my chart, takes my vitals, and administers some pain meds. “How are you feeling? Do you need anything?”
I clear my throat, but it does nothing to help the burning sensation. “Water,” I say, my voice hoarse and barely audible.
“I’ll be right back with that. The doctor will be in to discuss a few things with you. Press the call button if you need anything else.” The nurse leaves, and I band both of my arms around Ruby, the IV line tugging against my skin.
She looks up at me through bloodshot eyes. “You’re here. I thought I lost you.”
“I’m here, baby. I’m not going anywhere.” It hurts to speak, but for her I’d endure anything. I stroke a hand down her spine and bring my lips to her head.
The nurse returns with a pitcher of water and pours some into a plastic cup, inserting a straw.
“Thank you,” I murmur.
“You’re welcome. The doctor is making his rounds now. He should be here momentarily.”
The nurse leaves again, and I finally have a chance to give voice to the questions that have been plaguing me since the moment I woke up.
I bring my nose to Ruby’s hair and inhale, taking in the familiar scent of her perfume. It’s too faint beneath the acrid smell of smoke still filling my senses. “Dean and Cara?”
