Page 40 of Drowning in Darkness

Sixteen.

Fifteen.

The panic loosens its grip one number at a time.

Fourteen.

Thirteen.

Twelve.

“You’ve got a fractured rib or two,” Melanie murmurs. “Let’s get the machine in here.”

“Keep going,” James encourages.

She lifts my forearm. “There’s also a graze here.”

So close. I came so close to no longer living. Why? Because some rich asshole decided he wanted to ruin me?

Ten.

Nine.

Eight.

My eyelids grow heavier.

“Stephanie.”

James’s face blurs.

Seven.

Six.

“Stay with me,” I beg. I don’t beg. I never beg. It doesn’t work.

Five.

“I am.”

Four.

A lie.

Three.

His gaze never leaves mine.

Two.

One.

For the first time since this nightmare began, I let someone else carry the weight. Just for a minute. I need to rest. Tomorrow, I’ll be back to fighting, because the alternative is to cry and hide, which I’ve already tried. It didn’t work out so well.

“I’m sorry,” he murmurs. “I’m so sorry for bringing him to your door. I will fix this, I promise. I will make your world safe again.”

I smile as the darkness takes me. Silly man. My world has never been safe, and he’s making promises he cannot keep.