Letting My Brother's Best Friend Take My V-Card

PART 2 CHAPTER 137 LUKE

The room felt heavy with the sterile smell of antiseptic mixed with the soft beeping of machines monitoring Jess's vitals. I couldn't tear my eyes away from her-

bandages wrapping her head, her leg in a cast, tubes running from her arms. She looked fragile, unlike the girl I'd seen sprinting up hills and giving me at run for my money.

she was lying, so still, I had to focus on her chest to make. sure she was breathing.

When we walked in, the nurse said, "She should be able to hear you," even though it looked like she was fast asleep. Luckily, Jess was breathing on her own, which they said was a good sign.

I kept trying to focus on that. Maybe if she could hear me, would hear my apology.

she

Josh stood on the other side of the bed, holding her hand like it was a lifeline. His jaw was clenched tight, and I knew he was feeling the same thing I was-helpless.

He muttered a "thanks" to the nurse, who stopped for a second. I could see it on her face: She recognized us and didn't know if now would be the appropriate time to ask. After a few moments, she made the right choice and walked out of the

room.

22.02

couldn't move, couldn't reach for her. All I could

been there, if I had pushed harder to stop her from going, she wouldn't be lying here. I'd failed her. I should've protected her like I promised Josh I would. But now... now she was lying here in this hospital bed,

closer and taking her hand gently as if I could wake her with my touch. But she went still again like it never happened. Just a flicker.

bed, neither of us saying

her sleep was kind of peaceful. I could hear her steady heart rate on the monitor and watch her chest rise and fall. Before I knew it, I was zoned out. Then, the monitor started beeping faster. The

monitor, my heart pounding in my chest. "What's happening?" Josh asked, getting up to push the call button. The beeping grew louder, and then so many alarms went off. Jess's heart rate was climbing, and my

- CHAPTER 137 283

s was 1.

moment," she said, her voice steady. At the same time, it was an instruction-like, get the hell back but with compassion. But I couldn't shake the fear clawing at my chest. Josh and I stepped back, giving her space. I wanted to say something,

checked Jess's eyes, flashing a light in them. Her movements were quick and methodical. Her expression changed just slightly, but enough to set off alarms in my head. She called for

hell does that mean?" Josh asked,

mumbled but then stopped because Jess started screaming. Not just a small sound-a blood-curdling scream that ripped through the

but more nurses stormed in, pushing us back and forcing us

help. We can't," He said, and for the first time tonight, Josh seemed

57.97%