Fever (Breathless #2)(125)

“Come back to me, Bethany,” he whispered. “I love you so much.”

Chapter forty-one

Bethany’s dreams were tormented. Or maybe she was awake, but she couldn’t seem to make her eyes open. But she’d had the most horrible dream that she’d been in a hospital and Jace had been standing over her, fear blazing in his eyes. And then he’d told her that she’d overdosed. That she’d taken drugs and tried to kill herself!

Her heart hurt. Did he really think she could do something like that? And why couldn’t she seem to wake up so the horrible dream would go away?

She wanted Jace. Wanted him to hold her and to soothe the horrible ache in her chest. To tell her he’d never believe something so terrible of her. But then, he didn’t trust her yet. The other night had taught her as much.

She tried to open her eyes again and shake away the heavy veil that weighed her down. It hurt. God, it felt as though someone had driven a stake through her head. But she struggled on, determined to break free of the fog surrounding her.

Her eyelids slowly fluttered, each blink beating like a hammer. She dragged her lids upward and for a moment, utter panic swamped her. It was dark and unfamiliar and the smell—it was so sterile. Like a . . . hospital.

She glanced frantically around, trying to make sense of her surroundings. She was in a strange bed. Not very comfortable either. A rhythmic beep-beep sounded loudly in her ear, making her wince.

“Jace?”

It came out more panicked sounding than she’d like, but she was scared and alone and she wanted Jace.

Then movement beside her, making her startle, and then Jace was suddenly looming over her, his eyes filled with anguish and relief.

“Bethany, baby, you’re awake. Thank God, you’re awake.”

His voice was clogged with emotion. It sounded as though he’d been crying. There was so much relief and worry all packed into those simple words that she was stunned and more befuddled than ever. What had happened? What was wrong?

She licked dry lips and swallowed. Her tongue was thick and like sawdust in her mouth.

“I had the most horrible dream,” she whispered. “What’s wrong with me, Jace? Where am I?”

He pressed a kiss to her brow and she could feel him trembling against her skin. Almost like he was desperately trying to maintain his composure. Then he took her hand, squeezing it in his. It was then she realized there was an IV in her arm.

“You were very sick, baby. I almost lost you. Thank God you came back to me.”

Maybe it hadn’t been a dream. Oh God, did that mean he thought she’d tried to kill herself? Hysteria rose in her throat and she made a strangled sound. She began to shake violently and Jace enfolded her in his arms, holding her tightly against him.

“Shhh, baby, it’s going to be all right now.”

“I didn’t do it, Jace,” she said vehemently. “Please, you have to believe me. I didn’t take anything! I wouldn’t!”

He stroked his hand down her hair and rocked her back and forth in his arms. “I know you didn’t, baby. I know.”

She went still and then pulled back so she could see his face. “You do?”

“Of course. You told me you didn’t so I knew you hadn’t.”

She sagged, going limp against the pillow. Relief, sweet and heady, rushed through her veins. He believed her.

“You believe me,” she whispered, relief making her light-headed. Then she frowned, her lips pursing in confusion. “But how then? I don’t understand.”

“How much do you remember?” Jace asked gently.

Her brow furrowed and she tried to concentrate but her head hurt too badly. “I don’t know. I went to Jack’s. Kaden called me. Said he was back. I went over, but I made sure Kaden was with me,” she rushed to say.

Jace’s hand tightened around hers. “I know, baby. You did fine. You did everything right.”

“I was so angry with Jack. I was yelling at him. Asking him why he was so determined to f**k things up. He said he wanted to say good-bye and when I asked him where he was going he just said ‘away.’”

A scowl darkened Jace’s face.

“He made me hot chocolate. That’s all I remember,” she said faintly.

“It’s all right, baby. You’re going to be okay. That’s all that matters.”

She looked up at him, grief coiling in her chest. Tears clogged her throat and she could barely breathe.

“Jack,” she whispered. “He did it, didn’t he?”

Tears slid down her cheeks and a sob welled in her throat.

Jace looked tormented, his eyes tortured as he stared back at her. “I’m afraid so, baby. I’m sorry.”

She closed her eyes. “Why?”

Jace sucked in a deep breath and he caressed her cheek, wiping away the tears. “He didn’t mean to hurt you, honey. He’s an idiot, but he didn’t mean to hurt you.” He hesitated a long moment, his face a mask of regret. “He meant to kill himself.”

“What?”

Pain exploded in her chest. No. He wouldn’t. But then memories filtered through her mind. Jack so quiet and resigned. Him telling her he was leaving and when she asked where he was going he’d simply said “away.”

“Why would he do something like that?”