His Salvation [Eddie Munson]

Chapter Nineteen

Deep breaths.

Calm down.

Focus.

The seatbelt is so tight around my chest that it's difficult to twist my body. I gather some strength and press hard on the restless button. It doesn't budge. I look up and Eddie hasn't moved. I press down hard enough that my thumb aches and the seatbelt breaks free. I let out a heavy breath and toss it over my body.

I push myself out of my seat and crawl over to Eddie. My body protests, but I ignore it. My mind is solely focused on getting to Eddie.

I grab his arm as I pull myself closer to him. It's still warm and I've never felt more relieved. I grab his face in my hands and pull him to me. My fingers are wet and I realize he's bleeding. He must have hit his head on the window. I glance at the window and I see his blood imprinted on the glass.

Something grabs my attention beyond the glass. It takes a second to realize it, but it's the other car. The car that hit us. Their car is laying sideways on the other side of the road. My heart drops. Their headlights are pointed in our direction, illuminating the van.

I break my focus on the other car and look back at Eddie. His head is heavy and loose in my hands.

"Eddie?" My voice is like sandpaper as it escapes my throat. "Eddie? Please wake up."

My chest is tight and I can feel my eyes beginning to burn from the tears forming. I tap his facing trying to wake him. It was too gentle. I don't think that's going to wake him up. "I'm sorry," I whisper as I tap his cheek harder.

"Please," I whisper as I feel a tear roll down my face. "Please, Eddie." I shake him, but he's still limp.

I sink into his chest and drop my head. "Please," I whisper over and over. I inhale his scent as I bury my face against his chest.

Strong hands slide over my back and my breath catches at his touch. I pull back and Eddie's eyes are barely cracked open. His lips are slightly parted as he takes a shaky deep breath.

"Madi?" He breaths.

My name on his lips sends me over the edge and I start sobbing. I wrap my arms around his neck, his hair brushing my face as I nestle into him.

His hand rubs my back softly. It feels like a weight lifted from my chest. My breathing becomes easier. I don't want to move. I want him closer. I want our bodies to be so close that we almost fuse into one.

"Are you hurt?" He asks. His hand touches my head before he starts to stroke my hair.

"No," I say against his shoulder. "I don't think so."

"Let me look at you." His voice is low and I can tell he's struggling to get the words out.

I pull back to face him, but I keep my arms around his neck. We both search each other's faces before saying another word. Our eyes meet and I can't help but cry. He lifts a shaky hand and wipes my tears. His eyes are full of pain.