Page 131 of Heart of Thorns
My throat closes.
I know it’s because of Briar. I don’t remember getting out, but I do remember Rhys’s panicked face in front of me, his voice hoarse as he explained that he didn’t think he could get me and Ben up through the window. There was nothing to climb up on from the inside. The front door wouldn’t open.
Panic crawls along my throat, the smell of smoke in my nose.
“Cassius,” Briar whispers. “You’re okay, baby. Look at me.”
Her hand on my cheek directs my face toward hers. Her gaze crashes into mine, and she puts my hand on her chest.
“Breathe like me.”
I mimic her until it’s not as forced.
My father clears his throat. “We’re going to transfer you to a private hospital. They wouldn’t do it while you were intubated.”
There is no private hospital in Shadow Valley.
“Where?”
“Back home, of course,” Mom says. She circles around, opposite Briar, and reaches out. She smooths my hair back from my forehead.
I hold still. Pulling away always offends her, and I don’t want that to be just another thing. Briar, however, glares at her for me.
Then her words register.
“Home?” I echo.
“You can finish out the school year online. We already talked to the school. Everything is settled.” She smiles, stilltouchingmy hair. “We’ll give you two some time to say goodbye. The helicopter is going to be here soon.”
She finally draws away, and they exit.
Shock radiates through me.
“Helicopter?” Briar scoffs. “You’ve got to be kidding me.”
I grimace, then sit up. I fiddle with the railing and get it lowered, then swing my legs over the edge of the bed.
“Where are you going?” Alarm colors Briar’s tone. She gets up and races around, grabbing my arm just as I stand. With her there, I wobble but don’t land on my ass.
I’m in a gown that gapes open at the back, which is not my best look.
“I don’t suppose you can hunt down some clothes for me, kitten?”
She pauses and stares at me. “Why do you need clothes?”
“Because I’m sure as fuck not transferring. I’m not leaving Shadow Valley. And I’m not leaving you.” I catch her chin in my fingers. “I should’ve told you this a while ago. Our fake relationship became so fucking real for me. And I fell in love with you hard.”
“You…”
“I’m so in love with you, you were my first thought when I woke up. And you’re always my last thought before I fall asleep.” I reel her in closer. “I’d give up everything. My trust fund. My relationship with my parents. The cushy job waiting for me.”Pause.“Football, even.”
Her lips pop open.
“Don’t say anything.” I shake my head and rub the back of my neck. “I, uh, haven’t admitted love to anyone before and I don’t think I can stomach a rejection right now. Let’s just focus on getting out of here.”
She seems dazed, then visibly snaps out of it. “Right. Okay. Clothes and escape route. Coming right up.” She hurries to the door, then immediately doubles back. “Just so you know? I love the shit out of you, Cassius.”
CHAPTER 42