Page 48 of Hostile Saint

The angelic smile I had adored for years slowly appeared. “I think I am.”

My hands opened and closed, wanting to hold her. The need was so intense, but I stayed strong, denying myself anything but words. I fucking love you so much…

Her body sighed. “I’m Vera.”

Wait. Who? V-Vera? Trying to stop my gaping mouth, I stuttered, “I-I I’m Tate.”

She smirked, “Are you sure?”

That made me have to swallow down a laugh, to not be overheard. “Are you mocking me?”

‘Vera’ thought for a few seconds, then said to herself, “Maybe I’m funny.”

She was trying to figure out who she was. That crushed my heart. I wanted to happily scream about all her wonderful qualities, tell her anything she wanted to know about herself, but she was making new footprints. I had to let her walk that path at whatever speed she needed.

Hating to see her confusion, I asked, “You’re not sure either?” Movement to my right caught my attention. It was three leathered and pissed guys, gesturing for me to get my ass back over to them. They had returned to the trees at the side of the property by the parking lot.

When I quickly looked back at Lacey, her eyes were almost vacant again. She stared at me while playing with hair that didn’t exist. Her tender voice was so timid. “No.”

“Hey, don’t be sad.” I went to touch her—offer comfort—but stopped myself when remembering the electric fence.

“How do you know I’m sad?”

Because I know you better than anyone. “That incredible smile disappeared.”

She sighed. “I haven’t had much to smile about.”

Jokingly, I pfft. “Now, that is downright shameful. Hmm… Maybe I should visit you again and bring a vanilla shake.”

Her mouth parted. Her little pink tongue touched her lips.

Is she remembering?

I teased, “Haven’t you heard? Sugar fixes everything.”

Afraid she would say no—and that Lynx and Dagger were soon going to stroke out—I quickly added, “I could come tomorrow night.” I pointed up and behind her.

She peered over her shoulder at her bedroom window. “Oh, I don’t think Doctor Landon would approve.”

“Yeah, sure. I understand. I guess I can drink the vanilla shake by myself.”

Lost in thought again, fingertips touched her lips. “Sugar.”

Remember me… “I mean, I’m totally cool with sharing. And, you do have bars on your window, so I couldn’t hurt you or anything.”

Her pointer finger grazed the scar on her left palm. “I think I’ve been hurt before.”

Vice pacing, and Lynx and Dagger losing their parental shit, told me my time was up. Doc was returning. I had no time, so I took a huge chance. I held up my right palm. “Me too.”

After seeing my scar, a little gasp escaped her… Then she nodded. “Tomorrow night.”

The institute’s door opened…

My eyes snapped to Lynx. His hand was up, telling me to wait.

After hearing metal scrape against stone, I heard Lacey say, “Doctor Landon, I have a question…”

Suddenly, Lynx was madly gesturing for me to run to him. So, I did, thinking to myself, Wow, even with no memory, she’s still helping me.