VERSUS (Second Chances 2)

Tears well in the corners of her eyes. “She’ll be okay. She’s going to come through this.”

Relief hits me with the full force of a tidal wave. I drop back in the chair, cover my face with my hands, and exhale.

I won’t waste this chance. I fucking won’t let her get away again.

Eden Conrad is everything to me, and the moment I’m in front of her, she’ll know that.

Chapter 47

Dylan

Eden looks so small and fragile in the hospital bed.

Her bottom lip is twice the size it normally is. The area around her right eye is swollen and shaded purple and yellow.

Her left arm is in a sling.

She’s beautiful.

She’s the only woman I’ve ever loved.

“Try not to wake her.” Dr. Yelena raises a finger to her lips. “You’re both welcome to stay, but I’d advise you to get some rest. She’ll be here for the night. We will revaluate in the morning.”

She steps out of the room, leaving Noelle and me with a nurse.

The gray-haired woman pushes a black tote bag at Noelle. “This was brought in with her.”

Noelle reaches for it. “I’ll take care of it.”

“This is the content of her pockets.” The nurse passes a small, clear plastic bag to Noelle. “I’ll be right outside if you need anything.”

“I think I’ll go to her place and get some rest.” Noelle fishes her hand in the tote bag. “Her condo keys must be in here.”

I can’t take my eyes off of Eden.

I have no intention of going anywhere.

Griffin is covering for me until I’m back in New York.

Gunner is his back up. I spoke to him ten minutes ago with an update.

Noelle did the same with her dad. I heard her tell him that she’ll be back in Manhattan tomorrow.

“I can’t believe she still has this,” Noelle whispers. “It’s beautiful.”

Whatever it is, it can’t compare to Eden.

The soft jingle of keys fills the air, but Eden doesn’t stir. The monitors hooked up to her beat on in a comforting rhythm.

“Will you text me if there’s any change?” Noelle takes a step closer to me. “Her condo isn’t far. I can be back here in a flash.”

I glance over at her. “I’ll text you if there’s a change.”

“Her dad died in a room two floors up.” Her gaze drops. “She held onto this. She told me it gave her strength to get through it.”

I look down at the piece of blue sea glass in her palm.

“Give it to her if she wakes up.” She pushes it into my hand. “It must still give her strength now. It was in the pocket of her pants tonight.”