Marcus

Chapter Fourteen

Caroline ~

The feeling of Marcus' large muscular body wrapped around hers was a comfort unlike anything she'd ever felt. Her entire body seemed to relax slightly as he held her, releasing tension that she'd been holding in her heart for seven years.

I have missed this so much. Oh my God Marcus you feel exactly the same.

Caroline buried her head into Marcus' neck, reveling in the smell of his skin that she'd missed so much. Sobbing against his neck she clung to him as if she were afraid he'd disappear at any moment. She wanted to stay there forever, but the longer she sat there in that position, the more difficult it became for her to breathe.

At first she thought it was her emotional high, but it became very apparent that the injury to her side was keeping her from taking in a full breath. Repositioning her body didn't give her any relief and the sensation sent a small wave of panic throughout her body and she pulled her face away from Marcus slightly to try to take in a full breath.

Something doesn't feel right.

She gasped for air and repositioned her body again, favoring her injured side, but still couldn't pull enough air into her lungs. Marcus picked up on her difficulty breathing instantly and eyed her up and down carefully.

"Did I hurt you?" Marcus said, bringing his hand up and gently placing it over her tender, fractured ribs.

"No, I just...feel...like I can't get in a good...breath." Caroline wheezed the words between gasps.

"Get a medic in here now." Marcus hollered over his shoulder, prompting movement from Axel.

Turning his attention back to Caroline, Marcus helped lower her back down onto the gurney, holding one of her hands in his once she had settled.

"Relax sweetheart, we're gonna get you all fixed up." Marcus soothed, clearly picking up on the panic in Caroline's eyes as she tried and failed to take in a deep breath.

She stared up at the ceiling, trying not to panic, but the longer she went without a good quality breath, the more fear started to consume her. With her eyes on the ceiling she attempted to lift her chin in an effort to help send oxygen to her lungs, but that didn't seem to work either.

"Stay calm Liz," Cooper said, trying to be encouraging, but he was ignored by Caroline completely.

Cooper's words seemed to have the opposite effect and Caroline felt her palms and forehead start to sweat as panic consumed her further. It wasn't until she heard a deep commanding voice sounding from beside her, that she was finally able to break her panic and focus.

"Look at me Red." Marcus commanded in a low stern voice that was laced with tenderness.

Caroline complied instantly with Marcus' request, turning her head and letting her eyes meet his. A small smile gathered in the corner of his mouth at her instantaneous trust and compliance and despite the fact that she was panicked and in pain, she wanted nothing more than to put that look on his face every day for the rest of her life.

I'm looking at you Marcus. Now what? Tell me what to do because I'm terrified.

"I know you're scared and I know it hurts, but you need to stop panicking and focus on your breathing. Take it nice and easy baby. In and out."

Caroline knew he was right, but it was difficult to stay calm. She took in a deep breath that only filled her lungs partially, before pushing it back out at the pain and panting slightly to compensate.

"Slower." Marcus said firmly, taking one of her hands and placing it on his own chest, breathing in and out slowly at the pace that he wanted her to mimic.