Captive

chapter 56

Lines in the sand

The morning light filtered through the hospital room as Jeff quietly stepped in, his gaze immediately locking onto Bible, who was still resting. The steady beep of the heart monitor was the only sound filling the space, a stark reminder of the fragility of the moment.

Tong sat at the corner of the room, his sharp eyes narrowing the moment he noticed Jeff's arrival. He stood up, arms crossed, as if guarding his brother. "Why are you here again?"

Jeff didn't flinch under Tong's glare. "I'm here for him. I have every right to be here."

Tong scoffed, taking a step closer to Jeff. "Every right? Don't flatter yourself. Bible doesn't need you. Especially not after everything you've put him through."

Jeff clenched his fists, holding back the retort burning in his throat. His voice was quiet but firm. "I'm staying, whether you like it or not."

Bible stirred slightly in his bed, a soft groan escaping his lips. Both men immediately turned toward him, their argument momentarily forgotten.

Tong leaned down, his expression softening as he adjusted Bible's blanket. "I'll take care of him. You don't need to stay."

Jeff took a hesitant step closer. "Tong, I'm not here to argue. I just... I just want to see him, to make sure he's okay."

Tong straightened, his jaw tight. "You've done enough, Jeff. You're nothing but trouble for him. Do you even realize how much pain he's been through because of you?"

Jeff looked away, guilt flickering in his eyes. "I know I've hurt him... but I also know I love him. And I'm not walking away."

Tong's voice dropped, laced with anger. "If you really love him, you'll leave. Let him heal without you dragging him down."

Before Jeff could respond, Bible's voice, hoarse and barely audible, broke the tension. "Jeff..."

Both men froze. Jeff immediately moved to his side, his heart racing. "I'm here," he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from Bible's forehead.

Tong watched the interaction, his lips pressed into a thin line. He stepped back but didn't leave, his disapproval palpable.

Bible's eyes fluttered open slightly, a weak smile gracing his lips. "Don't fight... please," he whispered, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jeff's throat tightened as he nodded. "We won't. Just focus on getting better."

Tong exhaled sharply, grabbing his coat. "I'll get some coffee," he muttered, leaving the room.

Jeff watched him leave before turning back to Bible. He leaned down, pressing a gentle kiss to Bible's forehead. "I'll be here, no matter what. Even if the world is against us, I'm not leaving."

Bible's fingers weakly reached out, brushing against Jeff's hand. "Stay..."

"I will," Jeff whispered, his resolve stronger than ever.

Later that morning, Tong returned to the hospital room with two cups of coffee in hand. The tension between him and Jeff was still thick, but they had managed to avoid another confrontation for Bible's sake. Bible had fallen back asleep, his face pale but peaceful.

Tong placed one cup on the small table near Jeff without a word, then sat in the chair by the window. Jeff glanced at the coffee, surprised, but said nothing. The silence between them was uneasy, broken only by the occasional rustle of papers as Tong flipped through a magazine.

After what felt like an eternity, Tong finally spoke, his voice low and cautious. "I don't trust you, Jeff."

Jeff sighed, leaning back in his chair. "I know."