Page 56 of Rescued
I follow his exaggerated breathing until my heart finally starts to calm down.
“That’s it. There you go.” His eyes are darting around my face, and for the first time, I notice how fucking tired he looks. How he’s got dark bags under his eyes and how his normally perfect hair is a mess, like he’s been running his fingers through it.
“Everything’s alright,” he coos, his thumb continuing to stroke along my jaw.
I try to nod, but it makes my neck hurt, so I stop. I pull my hand out of his, bringing mine up to my throat. It’s covered in gauze and tender as fuck to the touch.
“Second-degree burns. It’ll heal. No nerve damage. You’re going to be okay.”
Dropping my hand back to Jasper’s, I swallow hard. “Thirsty,” I manage to croak out.
My throat is so fucking raw.
Dropping his hand from my face, Jasper picks up a cup and presses the straw between my lips.
“You were intubated,” he says, eyes searching mine while I drink slowly. “The smoke inhalation didn’t help, but the tube they had down your throat is part of why it’s so hard to swallow and why it hurts to talk. That’ll get better too.”
“Kids?” My voice is so fucking raspy, and every single word I say feels like it’s coming out around gravel and glass.
“I talked to Salem. He said to tell you he loves you.” A small, tired smile graces Jasper’s lips. “And Maryanne.”
I hate that I can’t talk. I want to know what they talked about. If Salem is okay. If Maryanne is gonna keep them from me. If my house is gone. Do I have to start over again? Do I have to find another house and save more money? Did I lose everything?
The thought alone sends an icy chill down my spine, and my stomach sours. Tears well in my eyes and spill over, the salt burning my skin as it runs down my face.
“Maryanne says she’s keeping Salem and Nora in their current placements for now. I’ve consented to an expedited background check.”
What does that even mean? This is so fuckingfrustrating.I wish I could just fuckingtalk.
Jasper moves closer, not stopping until his nose brushes mine. “I know it’s frustrating, baby boy. Just be patient, okay? I’m gonna tell you all the things you need to know, and if you havequestions…” He stops talking and sits back, then pulls my phone from his pocket.
I raise my eyebrows when he puts in the passcode and hands it to me. Fuck. How did he guess my password? Not that I really care. I don’t have anything to hide on my phone, but now he knows my password is his birthday.
He hands it to me with the notes app open.
After taking the phone, I start typing. It’s slow going, but I manage to get out what I want to know.
is all the kids stuff gone
did the house burn completely down
can i still get them
Jasper reads over the questions with a frown on his face. Then he sighs. “Yes, I’m sorry. The house is gone, and so are all of your belongings. But yes, you can still get the kids.”
Fuck. Goddammit.
I do a gimme motion with my hand until Jasper gives the phone back to me.
how? i have nowhere to take them. i worked so hard for that house
“I know you did. I…” Jasper pauses, swallowing hard. “I may have told Maryanne that you and the kids were going to live with me.”
My jaw drops open.
“It only pushes things out a little bit, okay? She has to do my background check, and then she has to do another home visit. Since you’re the approved caregiver, we can’t get them until you’re home from the hospital and able to care for their basic needs.”
but what about all their stuff?
