JODIE
Theo’s words about killing the man they’ve got locked up for his crimes isn’t the first thing I really wanted to hear. But then again, I didn’t really have any plans to experience everything I did tonight… last night… either.
My head spins as I lay still, listening to Toby and Theo as they continue their conversation. If the situation were different, I might make it known that I was awake, aware of Toby explaining his wishes for me to be able to make a choice about what happens to the man with whom I, unfortunately, share DNA with. That thought makes my chest ache. The pain of losing the man I always looked up to despite the fact that I thought he had no input in my creation almost hurts more than the rest of my body. Almost.
Every single inch of me pulsates in agony. If I didn’t know better, I’d think I’d been hit by a freaking articulated lorry. Unfortunately, one sharp breath in makes my lungs burn like a fucking bitch, reminding me exactly what did happen before I embark on a coughing fit that brings tears to my eyes.
“Fuck, Jodie. Baby, it’s okay.”
Toby is right there, gently pulling my fingers away from the oxygen mask I’m trying to rip from my face, calming me down, and placing it back over my mouth, allowing me to get the benefits.
His large warm hands hold the sides of my head, his dark, haunted eyes staring down into mine.
He doesn’t say anything. He doesn’t need to. I feel every single word that is right on the tip of his tongue.
“I’m gonna leave you to it. See what I can go find out.” I startle at the deep rumble of Theo’s voice, too lost in Toby’s gaze to have heard him move. “I’m glad you’re okay, Jodie,” he says sincerely before gently squeezing my foot in support and disappearing from the bay.
The air crackles between the two of us even despite my lightheadedness. Our connection is like a living, breathing thing that’s impossible to forget about or ignore, even when we’re apart.
“I thought I’d fucking lost you, baby,” Toby finally says, lowering his brow until he touches mine. It’s an awkward move with the mask between us, but he makes it work. And it’s not like I’m going to argue. I need this connection—his strength—just as much as I think he needs it from me.
“Same,” I whisper. Attempting just that one word feels like knives ripping up my throat, and I squeeze my eyes closed for a beat.
“What’s wrong, baby? What do you need?” Toby pulls back, allowing me to see the cubicle I’m in.
My eyes lock on a jug sitting on an over-the-bed table and I stare at it.
“Drink? You need a drink?”
I nod, not willing to try speaking again until I’ve at least swallowed some soothing, cool water.
He quickly pours a cupful before lowering my mask and pressing a straw to my parched lips.
Relief floods me as it relieves the burning of my throat a little.
“Better?” he asks when I finally release the straw.
“Y-yeah,” I manage to get out a little easier. A small smile twitches at the corners of Toby’s lips before he places the cup back down.
A gasp rips past my lips at the state of his arm.
“Toby,” I breathe, reaching out to gently brush my fingertips over the bandage.
“I’m fine, Demon. Just a little scratch.” He winks teasingly, but it does nothing to lessen the concern that’s pressing down so heavy on my chest it’s making it hard to breathe.
My eyes shift, taking in the scratches, blood, dirt, and soot that cover his bare torso and then the blue scrubs he’s wearing.
“You should be in bed.”
His smile widens a little farther. “You’re right, I should. Can you move?”
Guessing where this is going, I just about manage to shift over a few inches. Thankfully, it’s enough, and only a second later, Toby climbs on the bed with me, laying on his side so he can watch me as if he’s afraid I’m about to vanish into a puff of smoke.
“Y-you s-saved me,” I force out through the emotion that clogs my throat and burns my eyes.
“Always, baby. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do to protect you.”
Unable to fight the tears pooling against my lashes, two spill over, racing down my cheeks and soaking into the thin elastic strap of the mask.