When they pull back, Gemma’s wiping her cheeks.

“Don’t start that,” I tease because I hate seeing her emotional over me.

“We were so upset! It’s not easy seeing you like this.” Gemma frowns.

“I was ready to track someone down,” Katie admits. “Especially after everything we’ve all been through these past few years. I was worried to death. My PTSD couldn’t handle it.”

My eyes soften. “I know. I’m sorry that I worried you guys.”

“We were ready to murder someone,” Gemma admits.

Tyler speaks up. “I’ve already gone to prison once, but I’d do it again.”

“Same,” Archer adds.

“Add my name to that list too,” Gemma says.

“Sorry, but I’m not built for prison life.” Katie snorts. “But I’ll provide y’all with an alibi to keep you out of jail.”

“Oh my God, you guys. Poor Scarlett. She’d have to come live with me.”

“Never mind, I take it back.” Gemma laughs.

I look around the room, grateful and happy to be alive. I’m lucky to be surrounded by so many people who love me. With all that being said, once I’m better, I’ll find out who did this.

After an hour, my body grows tired, and Katie notices. It wasn’t that long ago when she was in the hospital after being kidnapped. “We’re gonna let you get some rest.”

They take their time telling me goodbye before they leave. Then finally, it’s just Archer and me.

“You can go if you want,” I tell him, not wanting him to feel forced to stay. “You look exhausted.”

“I’m not going anywhere, Everleigh.”

My heart flutters. “Thank you.”

He adjusts my pillow. “You really do need to get some rest, though.”

“Will you lie with me?”

A smirk hits his lips. “What do you think the nurse will say when she walks in and sees us?”

“She better mind her own damn business,” I say matter-of-factly, patting the space beside me.

Archer hesitates but doesn’t make me beg. He gently lies on the mattress and carefully loops his arm around my shoulders. The weight of him feels like home, and I let out a contented sigh. “You’re exactly what I’ve been missing.”

He chuckles in my ear, and the warmth of his breath brushes against my neck. “Me too.”

Chapter Two

ARCHER

I've been at the hospital with Everleigh for the past four days, sleeping in a chair that’s as hard as pavement. Then again, I would’ve slept on the floor if it meant being close to her.

Tyler’s been suspicious of my protective behavior since this happened. Regardless, I can’t bear to be away from her for too long, especially after almost losing her. Having her blood on my hands as she slipped in and out of consciousness has been a total mind fuck.