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it’s
mine. I failed to protect them, something I will not do again. But right now I
want to enjoy the safety of the man next to me. There is no place I would
rather be.
    He runs smoothing strokes up and down my back before placing
a feather-light kiss on my hair. Unfortunately, our situation prevents this
from becoming permanent. It pisses me off that someone has the power to keep us
apart. What kind of coward sits back and sends veiled threats, refusing to step
up for what they want? If the lunatic ever came forward, the only thing I would
give him is a right cross to his jaw and a one-way ticket to jail.
    For the longest time Austin doesn't say a word. I am sure he
thinks the worst has happened. I mean, who sits in a waiting room bawling
because their family member is alive? Me, that's who. The new pathetic excuse
for Rylee Ash. His loving touch sends my emotions further overboard until I bottom
out. Exhaustion becomes my primary state.
    Once my breathing evens out and the gut twisting sobs stop,
he finally asks, “What happened, Ry?”
    The concern in his voice is genuine and the sound of it
soothes my damaged heart. I try to wipe the tears from my cheeks before turning
to face the most beautiful pair of blue eyes I have ever seen. They are a deep
shade of blue today, reflecting his somber disposition. The love and compassion
clear in them pierce my soul, reminding me how much I love and miss this man.
    “He woke up. Austin, he is awake.”
    My voice comes out as a whisper with a whole new set of
feelings bubbling up. Why can't things ever be simple?
    Satisfied in my current position, I snuggle into Austin's chest
and just breathe. His shirt smells of laundry detergent but it doesn’t
overpower his masculine scent. The potent combination quiets my frazzled nerves
and relaxes my mind. He seems happy with me curled up against him, but shifts
ever so slightly so I am sitting in his lap. God, this feels amazing.
    We sit in silence as if he knows that I don't have the
mental capacity to dissect anything right now. He shelters me in a cocoon,
allowing me to feel safe, to feel loved, and to take a freaking break. Not to say
I haven't felt that from Bode and Eric, but Austin is different. With Austin,
it feels like our hearts are tethered together. He gives me strength and pulls
away the pain. He is my happy place. My home.
    Absorbing his comfort, it breaks my heart to know that our
time is limited. Until the stalker situation is put to rest, my priority will be
keeping those I love out of harm’s way. And loving Austin means I will have to
say goodbye to keep him safe. For now.
    We sit wound around each other as others come through the
waiting room to visit their loved ones. I never see their faces, I only hear
their footsteps. From the frantic to the measured, you can tell a lot about a
person by the pace of their steps in a place like this.
    The monotony of this hospital is depressing. Some get good
news and others are told the worst. Either way, this place takes its visitors
on an emotional roller coaster, one I am eager to get off.
     Sprawled out across Austin’s lap I am more comfortable and
relaxed than I have been in the last ten days. But I cannot imagine our
position is comfortable for him. He is sandwiched between the cold tile floor
and me.
    I turn in his arms to look at his adoring face. “Austin, you
have to be uncomfortable.”
    It is obvious he is, yet I really don't want to move from
this spot. It is selfish, but once we get up this little bubble will burst and
I have no idea when I will get a chance to feel him next to me again. I wish we
could stay nestled together forever. I wish we could shut out the outside
world, pull those closest to us into the bubble, and live happily ever after.
But that is not an option in real life, only in fairytales.
    “Ry, I am fine. I would sit in hot lava if it meant you
would be with me.”
    The pain and sadness in his eyes pull heavily on my fragile
heartstrings.