Beckett grimaced. “They only want one visitor at a time for now.”
“Send Ramsey,” Hayes said. “That’s who she’d want with her.”
My throat constricted as everyone in the room looked at me. “I’ll watch over her.” Hell, I’d breathe for her if I had to.
“Come on.” Beckett motioned me forward. It was the most acceptance I’d received from the man. I wouldn’t hesitate.
Blood roared in my ears as we made our way down the hall and into a waiting elevator. Beckett pressed a button for a floor I didn’t register and, seconds later, the doors opened again. He led the way to a set of double doors and picked up a phone. After a few mumbled words, the doors opened. He nodded to something on the wall. “Sanitize your hands before you go in. You don’t want to risk infection.”
I obeyed, rubbing the cold gel between my palms. A man in scrubs stepped forward and nodded at me. “Follow me, Mr. Bishop.”
He led me past a sea of rooms, the beeping grating on my ears. He pointed to an open door. “Ms. Easton is through there. She is breathing on her own, which is a great sign, but she has several tubes in place to give her the support she needs, and she’s getting another transfusion, as well.”
I didn’t nod or say a word. I simply stepped inside. I had to be with her. Needed to watch her chest rise and fall and tell her that I was there.
My steps faltered as I walked towards the bed. I’d never seen Shiloh so pale. As if there was no blood in her at all.
I strode to her side, easing down into the chair by her bed. My hand found hers, only an oxygen monitor on one finger. I lifted it, pressing a kiss to her palm. “Shiloh…”
I broke on her name, two syllables bringing me to my knees. My shoulders shook in silent sobs. “I’m so sorry. Please. Come back to me.”
49
SHILOH
Faint beeping pulled at me,and my mouth twisted into a grimace. “Quiet.”
A hand squeezed mine. “Come on, Shiloh. Open those eyes. Let me see those ice-blues.”
I wanted that. Wanted to see the owner of that husky voice. I struggled to lift my lids, but they were so damn heavy.
Lips pressed to my forehead as a hand squeezed mine. “You’ve got this.”
My eyes fluttered, bursts of low light filling my vision, and then onyx eyes were staring back at me. Ones I thought I’d never see again. “You’re here.”
“Where else would I be? My place is with you.”
My throat burned, my eyes following as tears slid down my cheeks.
Ramsey instantly framed my face with his hands, worry filling his expression. “Hey, hey. You’re okay. You’re safe. I’ve got you.”
“I thought I was losing you.”
“Never.” The single word was an uttered vow. “You’ve got a shadow for life, I’m afraid. You won’t be able to kick me to the curb even if you try.”
A small laugh escaped me, but I instantly regretted it. Hot-white pain surged in my belly.
“Don’t laugh. You’ve got a world of stitches in your stomach.”
I nodded, swallowing hard.
“Want some water?”
“Please.”
Ramsey held a straw to my lips. “Nice and easy.”
I took a few sips and then released the straw. The cool water was heaven on my throat. I reached out for Ramsey. My hand shook, the weakness surprising me. “How long have I been asleep?”