Page 61 of Girl Long Gone

He grinned and bent down to seal his mouth on hers.

She circled her arms around his neck and pressed her body to his. For the second time in her life, she’d come out the other side of a nightmare, but this time she got more than she’d ever imagined.

She’d gotten Connor.

A light brush against her cheek stirred Evelyn from a deep sleep. She blinked herself awake, taking in the small confines of the parked car and the moon shining brightly into the passenger side window.

A dull pain pulsed against her skull. Leaning into Connor’s touch, she locked her gaze on him and smiled. “You’re nice to wake up to. Even if I did pass out in your car.”

He dropped his hand to her knee. “Good to know. I plan on sticking around for a while.”

Warmth flooded her chest. “Where are we?”

His grin faltered, a grim expression setting his mouth in a tight line. “Hospital. You’ve had a long night, but I have to see Monica.”

She laid her hand on top of his. “Of course. We need to make sure she’s all right.”

Relief loosened the tension around his eyes. He hurried out the door and rounded the hood to her side. Opening the door, he extended a hand and helped her to her feet. “Sure you’re up for this? I could drop you off with Ben and Lacey.”

She pushed away the pain and terror of the last few hours. Connor needed to see his sister, and she needed to be with Connor. “I’m fine.” She grabbed his hand and rushed in through the emergency room doors.

Connor led her to the elevators at the side of the information desk. He tapped his toe against the floor until the bell chimed and the door slid open. “I called the hospital and got Monica’s room number. They admitted her already. Room 302.”

Evelyn nodded and pressed her back against the wall of the elevator. She waited for the familiar pangs of panic when the elevator door slid closed, but they didn’t come. A smile ticked up the corners of her mouth. She’d hid for so long, she never expected to get past the constant reminders of her childhood.

The elevator reached the third floor, and she fell into step beside Connor as they rounded the corner and approached Monica’s open door. He rushed inside, Evelyn a step behind him.

The pulled curtains blocked the moon from flowing inside, only the light from the hallway casting a glow through the room. His sister lay tucked into the large hospital bed with her eyes shut. Monitors beeped beside her, and the smell of disinfectant hung heavy in the air.

Connor pulled out the chair beside the bed and motioned for Evelyn to sit then sank onto the side of the mattress and grabbed Monica’s hand. “Monica, can you hear me? It’s Connor.”

Evelyn clasped her hands in her lap, her spine straight and rigid.

Monica’s eyes fluttered open and locked on Connor. A small smile lifted her lips. “You’re here.” The smile faded and fear filled her eyes. “Did you find him? Is he gone?”

He wiped a strand of hair from her forehead. “I found Gabriel, and he’ll never bother you again.”

“What about the other man? The one who took me?”

“In jail. Along with Gabriel’s father. You don’t need to worry. You’re safe.”

She drew the blanket to her chin with a trembling hand. “I don’t think I’ll ever feel safe.”

“You will,” Evelyn said.

Monica’s gaze flew to her. “Who are you?”

Connor twisted to face Evelyn. He stroked the back of her hand, squeezing before resting his palm on her knuckles. “This is Evelyn. Gabriel had his sights set on her, too. She’s a big reason why you’re safe now.”

Evelyn stared past Connor and focused on Monica. “I don’t know about that, but I do know what it’s like to be a pawn in someone else’s sick game. It leaves deep scars, but with people you love by your side, you can work through it. Face the demons and get on with your life.”

“It doesn’t seem possible,” Monica said. “Not after everything...”

“Shhh,” Connor said. “I’m here for you. Whatever you need.”

Evelyn rose to her feet and stood beside Connor. The bruises and slashes on Monica’s face twisted her gut. “I felt the same way for a very long time. Not just because of Gabriel. I understand how you feel, and I’m proof that life does go on.”

Connor wrapped an arm around her waist. “Evelyn’s going to be around for a long time, and I can’t wait for you to get to know each other, but for now, you need to rest. Do you want me to stay here with you?”