Chapter 25

One day bled into the next, the passage of time marked only by the changing of light to dark. I felt empty, a deep ache settling in my bones as I kept vigil by Lily's bedside.

She hadn't woken up. Hadn't even opened her eyes. The doctor checked on her every hour, offering cautious optimism each time. Though the bullet had missed all major organs, it had lodged deep inside her, requiring surgery to remove it. Nearly forty-eight hours had passed, and I was beginning to lose hope.

Why the hell hadn't she woken up? Despite the doctor's insistence that her body needed rest in order to recover, it had been too long. I could feel it. She was slowly slipping away from me.

"How is she?"

Tearing my gaze away from Lily, I glanced up at Fox. He stood outlined in the doorway, his face an expressionless mask.

"Same as before." Bitterness crept into my tone before I could stop it, and I immediately wanted to call the words back. The stress of watching Lily suffer was slowly breaking me down.

I wasn't sure how he'd found a doctor on such short notice, or managed to locate the equipment that beeped quietly in the corner of the small room, but I'd learned never to underestimate Fox. In truth, I was incredibly grateful for everything Fox had done. But my gratitude was overshadowed by anger.

I was furious that Ara?a's men had somehow managed to track me here. Furious with myself for staying the extra night with Lily. And I was even more furious at her for throwing herself in front of the bullet that had been meant for me.

I was so damn angry with her for that. Which only made me feel more guilty. It rose up in my throat, threatening to choke me.

She had to be okay—she just had to. I refused to accept the alternative.

I met Fox's gaze. "I really appreciate everything you've done for her."

"Think nothing of it," he said with a small wave of his hand.

"I don't deserve your help or kindness after everything that's happened." I shook my head. "Sir, I want you to know…"

Memories of that last day with Eva flashed before my eyes, and I forced the words out. "I tried to stop them. I didn't realize what was happening until it was too late, and I... I never suspected them. I should have, and I'm sorry."

For the past day and a half I'd sat by Lily's side, waiting for her to wake up, preparing myself for the worst if she didn't. It felt like my heart had been ripped from my chest. I was certain this was how Fox had felt when Eva disappeared.

"I should have done more to protect her, and I'll carry the weight of knowing I failed until the day I die."

He stared at me for a long moment, those dark eyes boring into mine. "You mentioned that before."

His voice was impassive, controlled as always. I wasn't sure I could do the same in his place.

Regret sliced through me. I'd tried to drive Eva away from him, and it was only once I'd seen the true nature of their relationship that I realized how wrong I was.

I swallowed hard. "I would gladly trade myself for her if I could."

He stared at me for what felt like hours, a strange expression on his face. Finally, he gave a slow nod. Without another word he spun on a heel and left. The air seemed to whoosh from my lungs, and I wasn't sure whether I was disappointed at his departure or relieved.

We hadn't spoken much over the past few days, so I hadn't had the chance to ask him why he was in Pine Ridge. I'd been too preoccupied with Lily while Fox took care of loose ends. I wasn't sure what would happen next, but as long as Lily was okay, I didn't care what happened to me.

The sound of approaching footsteps drew my attention back to the doorway, and I glanced over, expecting to see the doctor for his hourly round. I did not expect to find Fox again so soon. "Sir? Is?—?"

The sight of the beautiful blonde next to him stole the breath from my lungs. The room swayed, and I grasped the edge of the bed to keep myself upright as I stared at her.

This wasn't possible. She couldn't be here. I'd seen...

My mind went blank as she shot me a tentative smile. Fox curled an arm around her waist, then guided her farther into the room. "I believe there's been some sort of misunderstanding."

I managed to tear my gaze away from her just long enough to look his way. "How…?"

"We were so worried about you." My gaze flew back to Eva as she continued. "I'm so sorry for putting you in that position. I should have listened…"

Tears swam in her huge green eyes. "When Fox told me you were here, I didn't believe it." She shook her head. "I saw them take you away, and…"

A shudder rolled through her body, and Fox pulled her into the shelter of his body, pressing a kiss to her temple.

I stared at her for a moment, still not quite believing this was real. I'd thought she was gone. Somehow she'd survived. How?

"It's a long story. We'll fill you in on the way back. That is"—Fox glanced at Lily—"if you plan to return to Chicago."

Everything was happening so fast; I couldn't think straight. I managed a small shake of my head. "I don't… I'm not sure."

He nodded a little. "There will always be a place for you."

"Thank you, sir."

Eva shot me another watery smile. "We were lucky to find you so quickly."

My brows drew together. "How did you find me?"

"John Esposito."

I blinked. What the hell did he have to do with this? I drew back on our conversation, remembering his look of confusion when I'd told him that Fox and I had gone our separate ways. Suddenly the pieces of the puzzle slid into place. "You were looking for me."

He nodded. "We heard chatter of some men heading this way. Roger Morrison used to work for border patrol. He was also part of Ara?a's web."

Fox shot me a meaningful look. "He catalogued all of the transactions during his time working the border. Once he retired, he gave the journal to an acquaintance here in Pine Ridge for safekeeping. When you escaped and headed this way, the men assumed you were coming for the evidence. They tried to beat you here."

His lips twisted into a smirk, but it held no mirth. "Mr. Morrison has since been dealt with."

I nodded, immediately interpreting his meaning. "Have you found where I was held?"

He dipped his head in a nod. "Morrison was kind enough to divulge the information before he was dispatched."

I threw a quick glance at Eva, but she seemed completely unfazed by Fox's words. She'd probably endured something similar, so I could imagine she would appreciate the justice as well.

I held out a hand to her. Her eyes flared wide and she hesitated a moment before slipping her palm into mine. "Thank you. For not giving up on me." I gestured with my chin toward Fox. "And for making him happy. I didn't see it at first, and I'm sorry for that. I'm glad you're okay."

A soft noise from behind me drew my attention, and I spun toward the bed. Lily's head moved the tiniest bit, and her eyelids flickered several times before she finally pried them open.

Her brows drew together when she saw me. "Smith?"

Relief rushed through me as I dropped into the chair and clutched her hand in mine. "Sí, mi tesoro. I'm here, sweetheart."

Lily blinked against the glare of sunlight filling the room, and I shifted slightly to block the light. She opened her eyes again, and this time they remained open for several seconds before closing again. "Everything hurts."

Grasping her hand I lifted it to my lips and kissed her knuckles. "I know. I'm sorry."

I glanced over my shoulder and Fox who nodded and disappeared to retrieve the doctor. "Do you remember anything?"

She grimaced as she shifted. "I remember... A man. He…"

Her voice was low and thready, tinged with exhaustion. "It's all right. Everything is fine now."

She shook her head. "You... He was…" Her eyes opened a slit. "Are you okay?"

I couldn't help but smile at her concern. "I'm fine. You saved me."

Her brows drew together like she didn't fully comprehend, but that's was fine. We didn't need to rehash all the details right now. All that mattered was she was alive. And I was never leaving her side again.