All the Little Secrets

CHAPTER 27. ONLY US

Chapter 27. Only Us

A few days go by and I'm forced back to school. I sit through each class but it's all a blur, my mind completely consumed with Liam and Becca in the hospital and the fear that I'm next. Jasmine asks why I'm so jumpy as car tires screech to a halt outside of the school, but I pretend that I'm only tired. I hold back the tears until I buckle myself in Cage's car; then the flood comes.

Cage says nothing as we drive to the hospital, to which I'm grateful. He's been staying at the mansion the last few nights. His parents have only checked in once, which we assume was to keep tabs on their son. My mom explained to them what happened to Liam and Becca on the phone, and they feigned concern. My mom was the one to suggest Cage stay at the mansion to be with me since I was such a wreck from that night. His parents agreed with no argument, still in total control.

I try not to focus on them and the threats, but it's no use; I wake most nights in a pool of sweat, screaming. Cage is the one to hold me until I fall back into a restless sleep. Every morning we wake and it looks as if he didn't sleep once. I have consistent nightmares, and he never sleeps; we're both suffering, struggling to get a grip on anything at all.

We round the corner that separates the ICU from Liam's hallway. Cage gives me a tight hug as he heads off to Becca's room. I open the door as Liam finishes a conversation with his doctor. His face is serious as his doctor says hello and leaves.

"Everything ok?" I ask, sitting next to Liam's bed. His left-hand wraps instinctually around mine as his right arm stays in its sling to protect his broken shoulder.

"I'm being released today."

"You are?" My surprise makes Liam nod slightly. "That's unexpected."

"They said my vitals are good. There's no reason not to go home."

"I'll call my mom and let her know..."

"They already called my dad. He's coming after work."

"That's great news!"

"Is it?" Liam looks down at me, his brows furrowed. "I'm an easy target now that I'm going home."

I swallow hard, remembering that I never told Liam that I was threatened, that I'm next on the list. But how can I tell him without losing him? I'd rather take the risk and be with him.

Pushing away the thoughts of the threat, I lean over and kiss him.

"We're gonna figure this out, together."

Liam sighs. "Avery -"

"Stop."

I know what he's doing; he's been doing this since the accident. Asking me to move on from him, to let him go, but I won't.

Liam sighs again as he kisses my hand.

"You're the best thing that's ever happened to me, you know that, right?" I smile as he pulls me over for a deep kiss. "Have you seen Becca today?"

"Not yet, but I can if you want."

"Please."

I nod as I kiss him again, his hand wrapping in my hair. We take a moment after the kiss to catch our breath before I head to Becca's room in the ICU.

Cage paces angrily outside of her room.

"What's wrong?"

"Fucking asshole's in there."

"Who?"

Cage motions for me to go into the room, so I do, and he follows. Tyson's sitting next to Becca's bed, holding onto her hand. He stands as we approach him. I glance at Cage as his jaw locks, eyes narrowing.