Sobs burst out of me. The damp version of his scent was so beautiful, and my body and brain didn’t understand we were broken. He was here and it wasn’t fair for him to be here when it wasn’t fucking real. “No,” I managed through the tears. “No, no, no.”

“I’m here, baby, and I am so sorry. It’s not what you think. We’ll explain, but I need to get you out of here. Shit, you’re burning up.”

“I’m freezing.”

He swore again, pulling his phone out of his pocket. “I found her. By the river. Her ankle is fucked up and she’s got a fever that would burn down the world. I’m getting her up the bank.”

Beyond my sobs, I cried out at the pain when he lifted me. “You can leave me at home,” I told him. “Then you’re free. It’s okay.”

He grunted, pushing us both up the steep embankment before setting me on the ground again to get himself over the edge. I was in his arms again in seconds, and I hated myself for how safe I felt, and the comfort in his arms.

Then I closed my eyes and savored it, knowing it would be the last time. They felt guilty, so they found me. It would be enough.

“We’re not leaving you at home, Esme. We’re not leaving you at all.”

“You already did.”

Kade lifted me higher, and his voice cracked. “Baby, I am so sorry. None of what we said was about you. I promise. It wasn’t you.”

I curled into his chest, trying to lessen the pain in mine. Maybe he was right and I did have a fever. I felt like I was floating now. Everything still hurt, but it was easier to ignore now. I was too cold.

Kade kept talking, his voice painting a different background to the pounding rain. “I’ve got you, baby. We’re going to take care of you, I promise. You’re going to be okay.”

“Esme.”

I knew that voice, and I somehow couldn’t place it.

“She’s out of it,” Kade said. “We need the hospital.”

No, we didn’t. That was silly. “No hospital,” I murmured.

“Let’s go. Be careful of her ankle.”

The slamming of car doors and warm air had me drifting again. I didn’t want to fall asleep. It smelled safe, but I knew I wasn’t. I wasn’t safe.

I wasn’t safe.

* * *

Fluorescent lights were bullshit.

That was my first thought as I opened my eyes. An off-white drop ceiling and fluorescent lights were above me, and there was a beeping somewhere to my left.

“Where am I?”