Page 109 of Goose

“What’s going on?”

She rushes to my bedside and checks all my IV’s. Goose just holds me as she checks all the monitors and turns off the alarm.

Lilah finishes and turns to me. “Everything okay? How’s your pain?”

All I can do is nod my head as Goose holds me and more tears spring from my eyes.

Lilah pats my arm before leaving the room. I look up at Goose and cry even more.

How could this man ever want me after everything that has happened to me?

“You ready to talk?”

I nod and carefully sit up on the bed with him.

“Nightmares. Nightmares of the things my dad did to me. The abuse I endured every day. You tried to save me...”

“Shhhh, baby. It’s all over now. He’s gone and can never hurt you again.”

I wipe the tears from my face and go on. “And... the Shadow Raiders. It’s all coming back no matter what I try.”

Goose pulls me into him and gently strokes my hair. “They’re gone too. Snake is dead, and so are all the men who followed him. I took care of everything, Bambi. I will never let you get hurt again.”

“Always picking up my messes.”

He gently tilts my head up to look at him. “No. Those weren’t messes. Those were horrible people taking advantage of you. Using you and hurting you. I was just the one to save you. Just like you saved me from thoughts in my head. And just like you saved me from Ellie Jo...”

I gasp and grip the blanket closer to my chin. “What do you mean?”

“I know I should let this all come to you on your own... but I can’t hide things from you. Ellie Jo attacked us and well...you were the one who shot her. She was going to kill me and you sacrificed yourself to save me.”

I cry even more and Goose just rubs my back as I lose my ever-loving shit. Big fat tears roll down my cheeks.

“I don’t even remember killing a person! What the fuck is wrong with me?”

“Nothing, baby! You’re hurt and your brain is hiding it all from you. That’s not on you. This is purely on that evil woman. She did all of this.”

I lay my head on his chest as more tears plop onto Goose.

“I... I don’t even know what to say. I’m at a loss for words with everything.”

Goose kisses the top of my head. “We don’t need to say anything at all right now. Just rest and when you’re ready, we can talk more.”

I sigh and lean up to kiss him. It’s a sweet kiss and just what I need at this moment. It reminds me of how much Goose loves me no matter what has happened in the past.

“I love you, Sawyer. I can’t even start to explain how lucky I am to have you.”

He just smiles and kisses me again.

“Then don’t. Because you don’t realize how lucky I am to have such an angel like you in my life. Get some sleep, baby. I love you.”

I close my eyes and drift off to sleep, my man by my side, and a happier heart despite the darkness that has tainted my soul...

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