Page 48 of Memphis Bound

She doesn't move.

A guttural groan breaks from my lips, agony ripping through me. Guilt and grief crash through me in a tsunami of regret, threatening to tear me apart as I press my head to her stomach again. She's lying in this bed because of me, because of what I did to Venom's brother.

"I'm so fucking sorry I did this to you."

For twelve years, I've never regretted the choice I made or the things I did back then. But now? Now that regret is eating me alive.

If I could turn back time, I'd change everything. Anything to keep her from suffering like this.

The thought of her leaving me over this breaks my soul into a million pieces, but I won't blame her. It's what I deserve. She almost died, and it's my fucking fault. If I have to spend the rest of my life without her in punishment for my sins, well, at least I knew what heaven tasted like at least once in my life. I'll live on the memories of her forever.

My hands tremble as I reach for her hand, gripping her fingers. I haven't prayed in years, but now… Christ, now, I'm desperate. Closing my eyes, I send up a silent prayer.

Please, God. Don't let me lose her.

Chapter Fifteen

Kylie

Istand on the side of a massive stage, the electric energy of the crowd vibrating through me as I watch Memphis performing with his band. He's a force to be reckoned with as he counts off with his sticks held over his head before launching into the next song. He plays as if he were born to do it.

The music is so loud, I can feel it thumping in my chest, but I can't tear my eyes away from him. A steady beep sounds beside my ear, but when Memphis turns to look at me, I forget about it.

His smoldering cobalt eyes lock with mine for a moment, a half-smirk playing around his lips. My heart flutters wildly at the sight.

The beeping grows louder, more annoying. I turn my head, trying to focus on Memphis and that wild grin. How he manages to stare at me and play at the same time, I don't know, but it's like his body knows exactly what to do.

God, he's incredible.

"I love you," I mouth.

His gaze flickers over my shoulder, his expression morphing into pure horror.

I glance over my shoulder on instinct.

My blood runs cold as I see Venom stalking toward me, his denim eyes narrowed and a gun in his hands.

No. No, no, no. He isn't supposed to be here.

I scream, terror firing through me as I scramble backward, trying to get away from him.

The beeping grows faster, drowning out the sound of the music.

"Kylie," Memphis says, his voice distant and desperate as Venom closes in on me.

Hands grasp my shoulders suddenly, pulling me away from danger. The beeping grows louder, an unbearable cacophony, until… silence.

My eyes flutter open, locking with Memphis's devasting cobalt eyes. Intense relief washes over his handsome face, and I forget how to breathe for a second. He's so beautiful, and somehow, so broken.

"Toto," he chokes.

"Memphis." My throat feels like it's been shredded by razor blades. I grimace, fear trickling through me. He must see it because he gently cups my cheek.

"It's okay, baby," he whispers. "You're okay."

"Where?" I ask.

"Hospital," he replies softly, his thumb caressing my cheekbone as he reaches for a cup on the table beside the bed.