"He has days." Her voice was strangled.
He let out a low whistle. "Damn, Pilar. I'm sorry to hear that. Have they identified the poison? I'm sure my guys can make an antidote."
The lump in her throat was only growing. "No. They can't identify it, and it won't react to any antidote."
"Shit." Nick's tension poured over the phone, but Pilar kept her eyes glued, trying to keep her heart calm. "I'll have one of my guys call the hospital's lab and see what I can do."
She licked her lips, the words barely coming out. "And if you can't figure it out either?"
"We'll cross that bridge when we get there."
Pilar didn't respond. Her breath felt like it had been knocked out of her at just the thought of having to face that. When the silence had stretched on for too long, Nick finally muttered, "Call me if anything changes."
And the phone call clicked off.
She had to swallow back the tears that had been building through the phone call. But she couldn't let her emotions overwhelm her. If Maverick wanted to spend his last days working, she would make sure that he had a safe environment to do so.
It had been very early morning when they’d arrived, and the building was almost empty. As it got closer to nine, more and more people came in, making Pilar very nervous. If Maverick wanted food or coffee, she made it herself. She refused to go far from him, but she continually checked the lab, office, and surrounding area for threats.
The rest of Maverick’s team was glad to have him back. He passed off the incident with a laugh, and no one asked any further questions. Pilar’s love and admiration for Maverick rose another notch.
He is so strong. He won’t hurt anyone else…he’ll just carry the pain all by himself.
By the end of the day, Pilar could tell how tired Maverick was. He hadn’t rested since he came out of the coma, and she was worried about him being in pain. Even worse, she knew he probably wouldn’t stop.
“Maverick,” she said gently. He looked up from his computer, and his bloodshot eyes and drooping face frightened her.
“Yes?” he asked impatiently.
“You need to get some rest. You aren’t long out of the hospital, and your body still needs to heal.”
“But I’m …” Maverick stopped abruptly, trying to cover himself. She knew damn well why he didn’t want to sleep … probably even thinking,I’ll sleep when I’m dead… but he
couldn’t explain it to her without telling the truth.
“Yes, you’re right,” he said, defeated. “Let’s go.”
It was very late by the time they got back to Maverick’s condo. She ate dinner with him, but it felt forced. She knew their smiles were fake, their laughter hollow. There was no point in any of this, and it was killing her inside.
After dinner, she went for a shower, hoping to relax in the hot water and soothing steam. By the time she was done, she was even more wound up. When Maverick asked what was wrong, she said she was just keyed up and wanted to go to the roof for a short walk.
Maverick headed to the shower, and Pilar was relieved to see him go. She left the condo and headed upstairs, sitting in the shadows next to the rooftop pool. She couldn’t hold in the tears anymore and hugged her legs, rocking back and forth as hot, stinging drops rushed down her cheeks.
Grief tears hurt the worst. They were so full of salt they tore at her eyes and made furrows on her cheeks. They were burning as they poured from her heart and soul. Pilar had never experienced loss like this, even when her parents had died.
What kind of fate is this? I get one mate, only one. There will never be another chance for me. He is the one I’m meant to be with, but he is going to die before we can even try to find happiness together.
She wished she could roll back the clock, go back to the days such a short time before when Maverick was well and happy, and all she had to worry about was being restrained when they had sex. A light giggle bubbled up through the tears as she contemplated the ridiculousness of the situation.
Then Pilar shook her head, buried her face in her arms, and cried as hard as she could.
Suddenly, there was a soft touch on her arm. She looked up to see Maverick sitting beside her. She had to be completely out of her mind with grief … she hadn’t even heard him approach.
“You know, don’t you?” he asked softly. She nodded.
Maverick wrapped his arms around her, and she put her head against his chest. Her arms went around his waist, and he held her while her body shuddered with sobs. Pilar was clinging to him, her fingers locking around the fabric of his shirt as if she could keep him with her if she held on tight enough.
“I’m so sorry,” he whispered. Pilar shook her head, crying even harder.