Total pages in book: 124
Estimated words: 119476 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 597(@200wpm)___ 478(@250wpm)___ 398(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 119476 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 597(@200wpm)___ 478(@250wpm)___ 398(@300wpm)
Ellis shrugs, his lips curled into a shit-eating grin.
“Anyway.” Atlas pointedly turns away from Ellis. “Nurses’ station said it’s basically a waiting game for the paperwork at this point. So, good news, you definitely get to go home today. Bad news, I’m not super sure when.”
“As long as I get to go home, I’m good.”
Atlas leans over me and presses a kiss to my lips. “Just rest, Pip. We’ll be out of here soon enough.”
Soon enough just so happens to come three hours later.
“Now, don’t forget,” Dr. Duplantier says, “your follow-up appointment with the orthopedist has already been scheduled; you can find the date and time in your discharge paperwork. And, as I mentioned earlier, I strongly suggest following up with your OB and a mental health professional.”
I nod, too exhausted to talk. I am so beyond ready to get out of here. All I want is to shower this godforsaken day off me, find something to eat, and snuggle up with Atlas. I’m desperate for the comfort only he can offer me.
“Well then, let’s get you out of here.” The doctor’s words are punctuated by a nurse stepping into the room with a wheelchair in tow.
A groan escapes me as I cross my arms over my chest. “Is this really necessary?” I ask.
Atlas and Ellis both cross their arms over their chest and glare at me, saying yes in tandem. Dr. Duplantier just laughs. “Hospital policy, I'm afraid.”
“Fine.” I uncross my arms and push the blankets down, only to realize I’m wearing nothing more than a hospital gown. “Um…” I force myself to swallow as my cheeks burn crimson. “I need clothes.”
“Wait!” Ellis jumps up. “I brought some from the house. They’re in my car. Be right back!”
True to his word, Ellis is back in a flash. Atlas helps me hobble into the bathroom and takes great care dressing me in my favorite leggings and one of his sweaters. Unfortunately, Ellis forgot my shoes.
I could wear the ones from earlier today, but the thought of putting them on makes my skin crawl. The only thing I want to do with anything I was wearing today is burn it.
Good thing they brought the wheelchair, I guess.
“You ready, Pip?” Atlas asks.
“So ready.”
“Let’s get you home, then.”
CHAPTER 48
ATLAS
I’m damn near ready to crawl out of my skin by the time our mailbox comes into view. I have a single-track mind—the only thing I want is to get Nora comfy and cozy, so I can glue myself to her side until she begs me for space.
Because, fucking hell, how am I supposed to let her out of my sight after this?
She’s safe, you eliminated the threat. He can never hurt her—or anyone else—ever again.
“You excited to be home?” I ask, shaking myself out of my funk as I turn toward my girl, only to freeze at the sight of big, fat tears rolling down her cheeks.
“Shit.” I unbuckle my seat belt and slide across the back seat, tucking her into my side. “What's wrong?”
Heaving sobs rack her small body, as she completely breaks down in the shelter of my arms.
Ellis catches my gaze in the rearview mirror as he turns down our long, winding drive, silently asking if she’s okay.
I lift my brows and shrug, hoping like hell she is.
“I-I just... for a little bit, I didn't think I'd ever be here again. Home. This is my home.” She blinks up at me, her hazel eyes glassy and her pink cheeks slick with tears. “You’re my home.”
“Damn right, I am,” I say before wiping away her still-falling tears and pressing a kiss to the top of her head. Her hair is a matted mess, but I’m more than happy to help her comb through it once she’s showered. “And I always will be. You're safe here, and I promise you, Nora, I'll do my level best to never let anything or anyone hurt you ever again.”
Ellis is so silent behind the wheel, it’s almost like it’s just the two of us back here. It’s a small thing, but I’m thankful for the illusion of privacy as he follows the tree lined path to our house.
“You... you know it's not your fault, right?” Nora asks, her voice so soft and small, and yet so strong.
God, this woman. Almost died today but she’s trying to comfort me. I undoubtedly don’t deserve her, but I’m damn sure going to spend the rest of my life showing her how much she means to me.
“Logically, yes.” I suck in a breath through my teeth. “But a part of me can't help but run the what ifs.”
“Let's just be happy you found me.” Nora sighs and snuggles deeper into my side. “Talk about luck.”
I turn to stone as our house finally comes into view. “About that...” I croak, knowing I have to tell her the truth—no matter what.