Locked (Savage Men 2)

“A man?” Now, Mom looks even more confused.

“He lived there,” I say. “Like … on the island.”

“I thought that place was untouched by humans? That’s why you went there for research, right?” Dad asks.

“Yeah, that’s what we thought too, and there he was,” I mumble. “Lock.”

“Lock? What a strange name,” Dad says, licking his lips. “And he was just there?”

“Well, the story is complicated,” I answer, swallowing.

I’m not sure I should tell them what happened. The reason we crashed … what if they take it the wrong way? I don’t want them to hate Lock.

I already gave him enough of that, made him feel more guilt than ever, and I don’t want that anymore. I want us to have a clean slate … if he even survives this.

“It doesn’t matter. We crashed. He helped me.”

“But why did it take him so long to get you help from outside then? You know, get off the island?” Mom asks.

“Because I … didn’t want to leave,” I lie, looking away because I can’t look them in the eyes while doing so. It’s hard, but I don’t want to give them any bad ideas.

Lock is a good guy.

He really is.

Mom releases my hand and places it on her chest, like she always does when she’s offended. It’s okay. I can take her pain.

“I’m sorry, Mom,” I say, cocking my head. “I just … We …” My whole face turns red. “We fell in love.”

My dad’s eyes widen. “Love?” He begins to laugh. “With a stranger you met on an island?”

“Well, yeah,” I say, running my fingers through my hair. “I actually did.”

“But you never … I mean, you always told me you weren’t interested in men,” Mom says, clearing her throat.

“I am, Mom. Just not the ones from back home,” I say, shrugging. “Lock stole my heart. Nothing else to it.”

Dad’s still laughing. “Well, I can’t wait to meet this guy then. Where is he? Or did you leave him on the island?”

“He’s here in the hospital. They’re treating him for his wounds.”

Mom frowns. “Wounds?”

“He was attacked by a tiger.”

“Tiger?!” Now her voice is definitely raised.

“It’s okay, Mom. We’re alive. I think …” I mumble.

“It’s not okay! You could’ve died!” she says. “And you wanted to stay? There?” She shakes her head again.

“The tiger’s probably dead by now,” I say, remembering how brave Lock was when he shoved that spear into its torso.

“That doesn’t make me feel any better,” Mom says.

“Well, I’m glad you’re safe now.” Dad places a hand on my leg and squeezes a little. “And you can tell us everything once you’re ready. No rush. Let’s focus on getting you home first.”

“Thanks, Dad,” I say, smiling. “I do want you to meet him, of course. If you want to.”

“When?” Mom asks, which makes me chuckle.

“I don’t know. I just hope they save him. So soon, I guess,” I say.

Mom smiles, and she gets up to kiss me on the cheeks. “I’m sorry, sweetie. But I’m glad you’re back, and that you’re well. Now let’s all pray for a quick recovery together.”

She’s right.

All we can do at this point is pray and hope …

Hope he’ll fight for his survival.

And maybe then, I’ll get to see him on the other side.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Accompanying Song: “She Remembers” by Max Richter

Juliet

My parents have already been contacted and they’re on their way, but all I care about right now is Lock. I want to know if he’s okay. When I’m finally allowed out of bed, I immediately ask to visit him. There are a few reservations, but after a few harsh words about having been through enough, they finally let me go to him.

I take a deep breath as I open the door and close it behind me.

There he is, in the bed right in front of me.

A few wires connected to his body run to beeping machines next to the bed.

One goes directly into the vein in his hand.

He looks so peaceful, the way he lies there, completely still and with his eyes closed.

Every step I take makes my heart beat faster, and I suck in a breath before I sit down on his bed.

I grab his hand and squeeze.

He doesn’t respond. Doesn’t wake up. Doesn’t open his eyes.

Nothing.

So I place a gentle kiss on his lips and whisper, “I’m still here, waiting for you.”

As tears fill my eyes, I push them back down and lay my head on his chest. I close my eyes and listen to the sound of his breaths. It’s the only thing I have that reminds me of who he was. What he’s supposed to be.

Strong. Serious. Caring. And mine.

But when I open my eyes again … a set of eyes stares right back at me.

Accompanying Song: “When She Came Back” by Max Richter

Lock

Jules.

The moment I wake up, I open my eyes. Am I dreaming?