Page 106 of Crimson Love

The doctor shakes her head. “No. She’s on oxygen, and we’re flushing her body. We saw a vast improvement after the first dose of the antidote. We will continue to monitor until we are sure the toxins are flushed out.”

My chest tightens. “Give it to me straight. Is she going to die?”

The doctor narrows her eyes. “She would have had you not gotten her here when you did. The next twenty-four hours are critical. So far, the antidote is working. We’ll continue with that unless the blood panel indicates otherwise. I expect the labs back in the next hour.”

My eyes fall shut and my legs almost give out.

The doctor keeps talking. “We won’t know the lasting effects. There could be lasting damage to her heart. We’ll monitor that. She’s stable but not out of the woods.”

I’d drop to my knees in gratitude, but I have other priorities. “I want to see her. Please, let me see her.”

The doctor gives me the palm of her hand. “Only if you promise not to be a disruption. Next time, I’ll kick you off hospital property for good. I’ve done it before. I have no issue doing it again.”

I feel Harlow’s grip on my arm tighten with a warning and she answers for me. “He’ll be on his best behavior. I know he will.”

The doctor nods but gives me one more condition. “Only you. We’re past visiting hours.”

It’s all I can do not to tear through the security doors. “Take me to her.”

“Please,” Harlow adds. “I’m sorry. He’s so worried. He’s not normally like this.”

The doctor nods and holds her hand out for me. I’m about to move to the doors, but Harlow pulls me back. When I turn, she moves in for an embrace. “She’s going to be okay. She has to be. When we figure out who did this, they’ll pay. Keep us up to date on how she’s doing.”

I nod and let her go. “I will.”

And with that, I leave my new family to be with the woman I want to be a part of that more than anything.

Lennon T he soft sound of a humming machine blends with the stench of antiseptic and mingles with an underlying sensation of fear.

My eyelids are heavy, and my body feels like an anvil. It takes all my might to open my eyes.

“Thank God.”

It takes me a moment, but I turn my head far enough to see him.

Jett.

He’s by my side, cradling my hand in his, and stroking my hair with the other.

“You’re okay,” he whispers. “You’re going to be okay. I’m so fucking sorry, baby.”

I pull in a breath and realize I have oxygen blowing up my nose. I try to yank it out, but Jett stops me.

“Not yet. They said to wait until tomorrow to make sure you’re out of the woods.”

I groan and try to speak over my dry throat. “What happened?”

Pain and guilt is etched in every feature of his face. “You were poisoned. It was meant for me, and you almost died. If I never do another thing in life, I’ll make sure whoever did this pays.”

I shake my head. “Poisoned? The only thing I remember is riding up the mountain. I was so tired. I couldn’t keep my eyes open.”

Jett cups my face and leans in to press his lips to mine. “You’re going to be okay. That’s all that matters. The police are investigating. Devon is working with Stonebridge security. The only thing you need to do is get better. I’ll worry about the rest of it tomorrow.”

“But—” I start.

He brushes his thumb over my lips. “No buts. You’re going to make a full recovery. And the person who sent that fucking gift basket made the worst mistake of their life.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE