When I Was Theirs

56. Emmy

56

Emmy

H urts.

“Em?”

Scream.

The small noise is barely a breath.

Rocks weigh down my eyelids as I try to squeeze them open. Light creeps in, blinding.

“Emilia?”

Muscles tense. I recognise that voice. Soft, and hesitant. Female. “Mu…”

That doesn’t come out right. I try again. “Mom?”

A line of fire rips up my throat as I try to force the air out, and I choke.

“It’s okay.” The brightness dims as someone leans over me. “You’re safe, Em. Take your time.”

I recognise that voice too.

“Ar… Arron.”

He was here. He was here, and he wanted to—

The voices don’t speak again, and panic curls around my throat, cutting away my tiny puffs of air. Choking me, heavy hands wrapping around my neck. Pressing down.

Loud voices. Something pushes at my mouth, and I twist my head.

He’s still here.

I’m still here. Still dying.

I didn’t get away.

“Breathe.” The deep voice cuts through the terror as I thrash. A hand carefully placed on my chest, infinitely gentle. “Just breathe, baby. He’s not here. You’re safe.”

My hand is lifted, curling into something warm. Pulsing under my fingers.

“You feel that?” The voice shakes. “In and out. With me, Em. It’s just you and me. He’s not here. Just follow my movements.”

My fingers curl into the warmth. “Jared.”

“Yeah.” But he sounds different. “But I need you to breathe, Emmy. You’re scaring the nurses, okay? Just focus on my breathing and copy it. In and out.”

His heart thuds against my hand.

“Good,” he whispers. “That’s so good, Emmy.”

“You…,” It hurts. Everything hurts. “You called me… Emmy.”

It takes a long time to form the words.

He never calls me Emmy.

Only Emilia. Or Em.

He doesn’t say anything, and I start to panic. My fingers curl, and even that hurts. “Jared.”

“Steady.” His hand steadies mine. “I’m not going anywhere.”

I’m so tired. “Stay. Don’t go.”

“Not going anywhere. I’m staying right here.”

“Arron.” He’s going to come back. “Tried. He was strong.”

I tried so hard.

“I know.” And his voice sounds rougher now. Hoarse. “You fought so hard, baby. But he’s gone. He can’t hurt you again. Get some rest, Emmy. I’m not leaving you.”

If he says anything else, I don’t hear it.