“We’re not leaving you alone,” Dad grumbles from the front.
“Hunter will be there,” I argue.
When he brings the car to a stop in front of the dorm, Mom gets out and opening my door, she reaches inside and takes hold of my hand, as she says, “We have to go talk with the dean. Let’s just get you to the suite and see if Hunter is even home.”
As I step out of the car, I notice how students freeze in place. Everyone’s eyes are on us, and it makes my anger detonate, wreaking havoc inside me.
A shout rips from me, “What the fuck are you looking at?”
Mom’s hand flies to my chest. “Let’s go inside, Jase.”
I yank free from her and take threatening steps closer to the students, but then Dad’s there, blocking my way. He grabs hold of my shoulders as he barks at everyone, “Go to your dorms!”
Everyone scatters, finding a place to hide.
Dad locks eyes with me. “Calm down, Jase.”
I shake my head, needing to hurt something as much as I’m hurting. I need an outlet for everything I feel.
Keeping a tight hold on me, Dad forces me inside the dorm. When we step into the elevator, Mom’s arms come around me. For a moment, I struggle against her hold, but then the ground gives way beneath my feet, and I sag into her embrace, unable to keep the heartache from shredding me into an unrecognizable mess.
They usher me out of the elevator and into the suite. Hunter’s coming down the hallway, but the moment he sees us, he turns around and jogs to my room. He opens the door and then follows us inside.
I love my parents with all of my heart, but the moment Hunter takes a step in my direction, I break free from them and rush to him. Without hesitation, he takes the full brunt of my body hitting his. Hunter locks his arms around me, and I fucking break into a million pieces.
“Let it out,” he whispers. “I’ve got you.”
I give Hunter all the tension and uncontrollable emotions that have been weighing so heavily on me.
“Hunter, will you make sure he showers while we talk with the dean and get Jase something to eat?” Dad asks.
“Yes, Uncle Julian,” Hunter answers, and he begins to move me toward the ensuite bathroom.
I let him help me out of my clothes and the bandage around my hand. Stepping into the shower, my whole fucking body is a trembling mess.
If you’re such a mess, how bad must it be for Mila?
The thought clears my mind instantly, and I rush through my routine so I can get back to her.
After drying myself, I quickly brush my teeth before I go to my walk-in closet. I don’t have the patience for buttons, and grabbing a pair of black jeans and a t-shirt, I yank the items on.
“Hey, slow down,” Hunter says.
Shaking my head, I quickly step into my shoes and grab a jacket. While shrugging it on, I say, “I have to get back to Mila.”
“You need to eat first,” Hunter argues.
My eyes lock on his. “I can’t fucking eat.”
Hunter places his hand on my shoulder. “You need to stay strong, Jase. You can’t make yourself sick by not eating and sleeping.”
Hunter’s right, but I still can’t bring myself to stay away from Mila for a moment longer. “I’ll grab something at the hospital. I just need to get back to her.”
The ringtone from my phone interrupts us, and I rush over to my discarded pile of clothes. I dig in the pants and yank the device from the pocket.
Not recognizing the number, I answer, “Jase Reyes.”
“It’s Logan,” Mr. West’s voice comes over the line. “Mila woke, and when she didn’t see you, they had to sedate her. She should be calm for a little while, but I was hoping you could come back sooner?”
“I’m on my way back,” I answer. Cutting the call, I shove the phone in my pocket and look at Hunter. “Can you pack an overnight bag for me? I’m going to stay at the hospital until Mila’s better.” I walk to the door, then remember I left my car at the club and turn back to Hunter. “Is my car still at the club?”
“No, but I really don’t think you should drive,” he says as he walks out of the door with me. “Let me take you, and then I’ll come back to pack your clothes.”
“Okay,” I agree.
“Will Mr. West be okay with you staying with Mila?” Hunter asks as we leave the suite.
“Yes, and with it being a VIP suite, the hospital won’t dare give us any shit.”
Hunter lets out a chuckle. “I’d like to see them try.”
“Let’s hurry,” I say, desperate to get back to Mila. I don’t want her waking up to my not being there a second time.