Page 96 of Fighting For You

I sat down beside my brother and I held on to him, and I didn't let go.

CHAPTER 23

Half

KNOX

After Cliff called it and the team cleared the room, it was just us.

Nora was sitting beside the bed with Ian's hand in both of hers. Her forehead was pressed against his knuckles. Her shoulders were shaking, but she wasn't making a sound.

I pulled a chair beside hers and sat down. I put my hand on her back and left it there.

After a while, she sat up, her face swollen, her eyes raw, and looked at me.

"Do you mind if I have a few minutes alone with him?"

I nodded. I leaned in and kissed her temple. Her skin was damp and warm.

"I'll be right outside."

She turned back to Ian. Her hand found his again. I stood up, pushed the chair back to where it had been, and left the room.

The hallway was empty. I closed the door behind me and stood there with my back against the wall and my eyes on the ceiling.

Ian walked into a situation he had no business being in because he thought he was protecting us.

I closed my eyes.

"Knox."

I opened them. My father was standing at the end of the hallway. Still in his scrubs.

He walked toward me. Stopped a few feet away. His hands were at his sides, and he looked tired in a way I'd never seen on him before.

"I'm sorry I couldn't save him, son."

I looked at my father. In thirty-two years, he had never once apologized to me for anything. Much less called me son.

"I know you did your best. Thank you for trying."

He looked at the closed door behind me.

"That girl loved her brother." He was quiet for a moment. "Look after her."

I held his gaze.

"I will."

He nodded once, turned and walked down the hallway. I watched him go until he rounded the corner and was gone.

I opened the door. Nora was where I'd left her, beside the bed, Ian's hand still in hers. She looked up when I came in.

"I can go downstairs," I said. "Give you more time."

"Stay." Her voice cracked on the word. "Please stay."

I crossed the room and sat beside her. She turned into me, her face against my chest, her hands gripping my shirt. I put my arms around her and held on.