Cursed Heart (Cursed #2.5) by T. H. Snyder Read Free Book Online

again. They’re filled with so much happiness as I return a sincere look and flash a wink.
    “I really want to find Linc and see how Jo is before heading home. After all, if they’re here, I really don’t have much to go home to, anyway.”
    “I’ve already checked to see where Linc’s room is so we can head on up there if you want. I won’t stay if you don’t need me to; just know that I’m here for you.”
    “You have no idea how much I appreciate this, Christian.”
    Taking the bag from her hands, I reach out for her as she intertwines our fingers. A tingling sensation shoots up my arm and I revel in the moment for a brief second.
    Leading her out of the room, we move down the hall and toward an elevator. As we ride to the next floor, I don’t know when the last time was that I felt like this—most likely never.
    She pulls her hand from mind and runs it down the length of her thigh. Sensing that her nerves must be a scattered mess, I look down at her from the corner of my eye.
    “Are you okay?”
    Nodding her head, she lets out a puff of air, her blue strands of hair flying in front of her face.
    “Yeah, I’m just nervous to see Linc. I don’t know how he’ll react. He’s been my rock since moving here and I don’t know what I’ll do if he doesn’t want to see me.”
    As the doors open, I once again reach for her hand and lead her out into the hallway. Stopping just short of the elevator, I turn, backing her up against the wall. Tilting her chin up to face me, I stare into her eyes. I can feel the rapid beats of her heart pounding against my chest. I want to ease her tension and let her know that everything will be okay as long as I’m by her side.
    “I don’t know how strong your relationship is with Linc, or exactly what’s gone down the past few days. What I do know is that you are strong, and you give off this impression that people are only out to get you. Talk to him, tell him what happened and how you’re feeling. If he’s as good of a friend as you make him out to be, I’m sure he’ll understand.”
    Closing her eyes and taking in a deep breath, she opens her brilliant greens to show me her strength.
    “Okay,” she replies.
    Letting go of her chin, I take a step back.
    “Good, now let’s go see Linc so that you can let go of all this anxiety you’re feeling.”
    Taking a step ahead of her, I can feel her following closely behind me while walking through the halls leading to Linc’s room.
    I stop in front of a closed door and lean up against the wall.
    “I’ll be right out here if you need me.”
    She gives me a half smile and moves toward the door, turning the knob.
    No matter how long it takes, I’ll wait out here until she needs me. I know nothing of what is about to happen in that room, but the moment she comes out, I’ll be here to show her the support and compassion I know she’ll need.
    Staring at the sterile white wall in front of me, I feel good…really good. I’m glad that I was able to change my mindset to one that is much more positive than that of last night.
    Times will get tough, but I know that I have the will and strength to get through them. All I need is a little inspiration and encouragement, and she’s given that to me more than she’ll ever know.
    Today is the start of good things to come and I’ll be anxiously waiting to see how this friendship unfolds. Once she’s free and clear of the hospital drama, I want to do something special for her. We need time to talk—to get to know one another—and more than anything, I want to make sure she’s well taken care of with the injuries she’s faced herself.
    I’ll be her friend, her rock, and anything else she’ll allow me to be for her. The monster in me is gone and I want to show her and the world the man that I want to be proud of.
     

 
    Chapter 9
    2 Weeks Later
    The past two weeks have been the best days of my life. My feelings for Etty have grown so much. Every day, I can tell that I’m