Page 87 of Further To Fall

I swallowed against the pain in my throat and mouthed, “What happened?” My entire body stiffened as memories came flooding back: packing up, and then Kyle. My head suddenly snapped around, causing pain to ricochet down my spine.

“Baby, calm down. You’re safe.” Austin crouched next to the bed, but it was the whine that came from behind him that put me at ease.

My shoulders slumped in relief. “Blue.” It came out as a hoarse whisper.

“Blue’s fine, Firecracker. Helped you take that fucker down. Never been prouder in my life.”

A small smile touched my lips as I squeezed Austin’s hand. Blue’s face popped up over the edge of the bed, and Austin lifted our joined hands to rest on the top of his head, Blue’s tail thumping against Austin’s leg. I tipped up my face to Austin. “How is he allowed in here?” I whispered.

Austin grinned. “At first, we pretended he was a service dog. Then, Liam and Imighthave pulled the celebrity card.”

I started to giggle, but pain radiated throughout my chest, causing me to gasp. Austin straightened, pressing a button on my bed. “Careful, baby. Just breathe. Slow, shallow breaths.” I did as he instructed. The pain in my chest eased, but the pain on Austin’s face did not.

I squeezed his hand as fiercely as I could and mouthed, “I love you.”

“Fuck, Firecracker, I love you so damn much.” He bent down and pressed his lips to my forehead. The contact was warm and firm, reassuring me that everything really would be okay. “Never been so scared in my life. I thought I was going to lose you.” He was breathing heavily, and his eyes were glistening.

“I’m sorry,” I whispered, then smiled just a little. “You’re not getting rid of me that easy.”

Austin just shook his head. The door to my room swung open, and an older gentleman in a white lab coat entered, followed by a woman in blue scrubs and my mom. I blinked back tears as I breathed, “Mom?”

She rushed to my other side. “Oh, baby, I was so worried. I’m so glad you’re awake. Does anything hurt? Can I get you anything?”

Austin cut in, staunching my mom’s verbal flood. “Her throat hurts from the breathing tube, not sure about what else.”

“Oh, then don’t talk, honey.”

Lab coat guy, who was clearly my doctor, thumbed through my chart. “Hello, Miss McCarthy, I’m Dr. Stevens. Glad to see you awake. We did have to put a tube in your throat to help you breathe, but that’s been out for the past few hours, so the pain should fade soon. I’m going to ask you a few questions, but you can just answer them by nodding.” The doctor turned to Austin and my mom. “Now would be a good time to grab a cup of coffee. I’ll need to do an examination, and the nurse and I will change her bandages.”

I stiffened at the idea of Austin leaving. He squeezed my hand. “I’ll be right outside.” He turned to the doctor, piercing him with the same intimidating stare he had given the fighters he faced in the octagon. “I think it would be good if her mom stayed while you examine her, make her more comfortable, don’t you think?” Austin’s eyes narrowed with his last few words.

Dr. Stevens fumbled with the papers he was holding. “Sure, that would be fine if it’s what Miss McCarthy prefers.”

I nodded, and my mom ran a soft hand over my hair. Austin leaned over and pressed a kiss to my brow. “Be back as soon as they’re done.” He rose, snapping his fingers, and Blue followed him out. Apparently, those two had bonded during the time I was lights-out.

“He hasn’t left your side other than to go to the restroom or talk to the police. Love that you have that kind of love, baby.” God, I loved my mom. Loved that she immediately saw through Austin’s gruff exterior and got how well he loved me.

She straightened as the doctor launched into an explanation of all that had happened to me, medically speaking. He poked and prodded, assessing my injuries and checking the stitches, and he also ordered another round of pain meds that he said would make me sleepy, but that rest was the best thing for me at the moment. I grimaced at the thought of losing more time, but my chest and head were aching so badly, I quickly nodded in agreement.

The doctor excused himself, and as soon as he hit the threshold of the room, Austin’s face appeared in the doorway. He scooted around the doctor, who gave a disapproving look to the dog trailing behind him, and then made his way back to my bedside. “Everything go okay?”

My mom answered for me. “Everything looks good. They ordered up some more pain meds that will most likely make her sleep, but the doctor said that’s what’s best right now. I’m going to go find your dad and tell him you’re awake.”

“Thanks, Mom.” My voice was a little stronger already, and it didn’t hurt quite so much to talk.

“Of course, honey.” She was smiling, but tears were gathering in her eyes. “I’m just so glad you’re okay.” With that, she hustled out of the room.

I tilted my face towards Austin. “How long was I out?”

His expression darkened, and I instantly regretted asking. “Almost thirty-six hours. Longest day and a half of my life.”

I figured I should get all the unpleasant topics out of the way now, so I asked, “What happened to Kyle?”

Austin’s expression went weird, and he said, “Why don’t we wait and talk about that when you’re feeling better?” My body went on alert. Was he not in jail? Did he somehow get out on bail? Reading my panic, Austin sat on the side of my bed and cupped the cheek that wasn’t throbbing. “Everything’s okay. He’s never going to hurt you again, all right?”

“I need to know what happened, it’s scarier not knowing.”

Austin closed his eyes, and when he opened them, they were full of uncertainty. “The police took him into custody at the house. After they brought him in, they searched his apartment and found a closet full of scrapbooks. You’re not the only girl he’s stalked. There were notebooks dedicated to at least ten other women. There was a clear pattern of escalation with each victim, but you are the first victim where he turned violent.” A shudder ran through me.

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