Page 68 of The Broken Keys

I fumble with the keypad as I punch in the code she gave me. The gate slides open with agonizing slowness.

“Come on. Fucking hell, come on.”

The second there’s enough space, I gun it through, barely missing the wrought iron. Her house sits at the end of the driveway, the front door closed. Everything in its perfect place. I jam the car into park and bolt from the driver’s seat, phone still pressed to my ear.

“Lily, I’m here. I’m coming in.”

Nothing.

The front door is unlocked. I burst through, scanning the area frantically.

And there she is.

Collapsed on the floor near the entryway. Her phone is a few feet away from her outstretched hand, and her body is limp and frail.

“Fuck!” I drop to my knees beside her, my hands going to her face. “Lily. Livianna, baby, wake up.”

Her skin is pale and clammy. Her chest rises and falls too fast and shallow. She’s breathing, but she’s not conscious.

I check her pulse. It’s racing, but strong.

“Come on, love. Come back to me.” I gather her into my arms, cradling her against my chest. “You’re safe now. I’ve got you.”

Her eyelids flutter, but don’t open. A small whimper escapes her lips.

“That’s it. I’m right here.” I brush the hair back from her face, feeling the dampness of sweat at her temples. “You’re okay. Just breathe.”

I need to get her comfortable, raise her blood sugar, and make sure she’s actually okay. But first, I just hold her. Terror slowly drains from my limbs as her breathing starts to even out.

Whatever sent her into this panic attack, we’ll figure it out. Together. Just like I promised.

Her eyes open slowly, unfocused and glossy. For a moment, she just stares at me as if she doesn’t recognize where she is or who I am.

“Lily?” I keep my voice gentle and steady. “You with me?”

She blinks. Once. Twice. Then her hand comes up to her forehead, pressing against her temple like she’s trying to hold her head together.

“Callum?”

“Yeah, love. I’m here.” I shift slightly, adjusting her weight in my arms. “You passed out. How do you feel?”

She tries to sit up, but I keep her in my arms. “Wait. Just give yourself a second.”

“I’m fine.”

“You’re not fine. You just had a full-blown panic attack and blacked out on your floor.” I study her face, checking for signs of anything worse. Her color is coming back, but barely. “I’m taking you to the doctor.”

“No!” She jerks and tries to break out of my grasp.

I tighten my grip. “Lily?—”

“No doctors.” She pushes against my chest, trying to create distance. “I don’t need one, and you know it.”

“You passed out.”

“I had a panic attack. That’s all.” She finally manages topull away from me, scooting back until her shoulders hit the wall. “You know I’ve had them before. This is nothing new.”

I rest on my heels, giving her space but staying close enough to help if she needs me again. “That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get checked out. What if something else is wrong?”