Page 97 of His To Own

His head was wrapped in white gauze, a part of his hair shaved off from one side of his head. Even though he was sleeping, and would be for who knows how long, he looked tired.

“Where was he shot at?” I asked, knowing that one of my followers would answer.

“Right side of his chest, and one in the same arm,” Jonas answered for me. “The bullets didn’t go near as deep as yours.”

“He was on my side when he shot,” I stated, not taking my eyes off of Zachariah.

“Figured as much,” Jonas said. “I’ll stand out here. Let me know when you’re ready to head home.”

“Okay,” I said, glancing over at him.

I watched as Jonas walked over to one of the men that stood guard and began to talk in hushed voices before I turned my eyes back to Zachariah.

I sat there for a few minutes, not sure what to say. Could he even hear me if I did talk? I’d heard stories of where coma patients could hear everything around them at any given time.

My heart hurt looking at him. He was so weak just laying here not moving. He had a breathing tube stuffed down his throat to keep him breathing, and wires nearly everywhere.

“Please,” I begged as tears gathered. I wasn’t sure what I was begging for, but it seemed like nothing made sense anymore. “Don’t leave me. You can’t.”

So many thoughts of what I could say raced through my mind as I let my tears fall. I hadn’t cried the entire time until now. I didn’t think I’d break down here of all places, but yet it was maybe the best time to do so.

“Please come back to me, okay,” I stuttered out. “I know you’re in there.”

I paused, trying to not sob out my words. I prayed silently to keep him alive, to keep him safe and as the man I already knew.

“I’m okay. I was released today,” I gave a sad, teary smile. “Stuck in a stupid chair, but I’m okay. I’ll get better so I can take care of you. Maybe it’s my turn to show you that I can be strong. Strong enough for the both of us for a bit.”

“I love you, Zach,” I whispered out, knowing my words were true. I felt my love for this man deep in my heart, and I’d never give up on him. Whoever tried to kill us would pay with their own life. “You may own me, but I own you just as much.”