Page 181 of Broken Saint

My body is still completely fucked. I’m still not sure where my limbs are, but my brain is a little clearer.

A soft snore comes from my right. A snore I recognize.

It takes every single ounce of strength and energy I have to turn and look, but I manage it.

Pain shoots down my neck, spreading out through my body.

My chest heaves and sweat beads on my brow.

What the fuck happened?

I drag my eyes open, relieved to find that the lights are dimmed. Although, I still squint, and the image of the room is blurry.

It takes long seconds for my vision to clear, and the moment it does, the only thing I can see is her.

My Ella.

She’s curled up on an uncomfortable-looking cot bed with a thin-as-fuck blanket pulled up to her chin.

Her hair is pulled back and her face is clear of makeup.

Her eyes are dark. If I couldn’t see her sleeping, I would think she hadn’t had any for days. Her full lips are parted and her complexion is pale. She’s beautiful. She always will be to me, but she looks ill.

My chest aches with concern.

I might have no idea of what’s going on here, but I do know that I’m hurting her.

She’s here right now because of me.

She’s not looking after herself because she’s too focused on me.

Shame and regret burn through me.

I lie there for the longest time, just watching her sleep.

She’s so peaceful.

That’s all I want for her. And she deserves nothing less.

I’ve no idea how much time has passed when the sound of a door opening fills the room.

I should probably look to see who it is, but I can’t. I can’t take my eyes off her.

“Colton,” a female voice says happily. “It’s so good to see you awake.”

Slowly, I close my eyes and focus on turning toward the voice.

I find a friendly-looking nurse staring at me with a wide smile on her face.

“How are you feeling?” she asks before plucking a clipboard from the end of my bed and studying it.

I don’t respond. I can’t.

It’s all I can do to swallow. I don’t dare try to speak.

“It looks like you’ve had a very good night,” she continues before coming closer and checking my vitals. “Still looking great, young man.”

My brows pinch as I watch her move around, doing her job.