Page 216 of Nyx

"If you need anything else, don't hesitate to give us a call. Ask for me personally if you feel more comfortable doing so."

"Thank you," I tell her, waiting for her to gather all the evidence bags and leave before getting off the bed, stripping out of the gown and putting the t-shirt and sweats on.

The slippers feel non-existent on my feet, but I know I won't have to wear them long.

I have to pull in several fortifying breaths before I build enough courage to pull back the curtain, unsure of who I'll be facing on the other side.

I know Graham is more than likely still here, and he's the last person I want to see.

I search the large area. Each of the curtains is pulled closed, only the soft murmur of words drifting from behind some, the voices so low that patient privacy is maintained.

My eyes land on Emmalyn, and she spots me about the same time, pushing off the wall she was leaning on. She approaches, a soft sadness in her eyes.

"Honey," she says as she takes a spot in front of me.

"Nyx," I whisper, grateful she doesn't reach out to touch me.

I'm not saying I would never welcome the woman's hug, but after tonight, being touched by anyone other than him is something I won't be able to process.

"He's out front waiting for you," she says. "I'll go down with you."

We're silent as we walk toward the elevator, two Cerberus men joining us but keeping space between us.

Emmalyn doesn't issue pleasantries or words of encouragement as the elevator slowly makes its way to ground level, and even though she and the men step off of it after me, they don't follow me out the front of the building.

I look to the left, seeing nothing but the ambulance bay before looking to the right.

He's there, sitting on the single bench outside the hospital, head in his hands, hung low between his shoulders.

He no longer looks like the rageful man who beat my ex-husband on my behalf. His hands are bandaged, the white gauze a stark contrast to his dark hair.

"Nyx," I whisper.

His head snaps up, eyes locking on me as he stands.

He's quick to approach me, but he maintains some distance, and it makes me wonder what has changed between our time together in the parking garage and now.

His eyes scan over me, but there's a difference in the evaluation than there was before.

I feel smaller, as if I'm somehow weaker in his eyes, and I don't know what to do with the emotion.

"Can you take me home?" I whisper.

Chapter 53

Nyx

Failure.

It hasn't hit me very hard in recent years. I've always walked away feeling as if what I did to solve a problem was right. Others may not have looked at the destruction I left in my wake, but inside, I knew it was the right choice.

Leaving Graham Whitmore alive tonight hasn't sat right with me since I pulled my fists back and stepped away.

I did it because she asked. Her words were the only thing I could hear, despite other Cerberus members being there.

Juliet's voice rang out like a shotgun blast in an empty canyon.

"I won't let him take you from me, too."