Page 133 of Ruin Me Gently

“Okay, okay—I’m sorry,” the voice rushed out. “Just—just slow down for a sec.”

I grittedmy teeth as I struggled to breathe through the sharp, burning pain.

Christ. Did I get run over?

“I’m getting painkillers.”

“I know,” they said. “I’ll get them for you, okay? And some water. Just—sit down.”

Sit down.

Yeah. I could do that.

I swallowed and stiffly moved toward the nearest chair.

The water and painkillers appeared immediately, and I wasted no time, tossing the pills into my mouth and chasing them with the entirety of the water.

“Thanks,” I mumbled.

“How are you feeling?”

I let out a dry laugh, shifting in the chair, wincing as a fresh wave of pain rippled through me. “Like I’ve been beaten up.”

Silence.

I exhaled, rubbing my temples. “Right… what time is it?”

“It’s one twenty-three p.m.”

My stomach dropped. “Oh, shit. I’m late for work.”

“It’s your day off.”

Relief washed over me like a wave. “Oh, thank God for that. That would’ve been embarrassing.”

More silence.

“Okay, I’m going back to bed. Thanks for the drugs and stuff,” I muttered, rising from the seat and turning away. My limbs felt like dead weight, my head still pounded, but at least the painkillers would take the edge away soon. I just needed sleep.

I took a step, then another—then stopped.

My brow furrowed. I turned my head left, then right.

“Where’s my room gone?”

A beat passed, then, softly, the voice said, “I’ll take you.” Another pause. “Can I touch your arm?”

“Yeah,” I muttered.

A hand brushed my arm, making me flinch again but I let them lead me, my feet dragging slightly against the floor, the world tilting, stretching too big around me.

I was guided toward my bed, but before I could sink into it, the voice beside me tensed. “Oh, shit. I didn’t even notice. Did you rip it out?”

“What?”

“Your IV.”

I frowned. “I don’t even know what you’re on about.”

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