When She Rose From the Ashes

Chapter 27 Bleeding Hands, Burning Heart

Shauna’s words stopped Finn’s fist midair. He never did knock on the operating room door.

“But what about Mr. Baron? If his wounds aren’t treated soon, he might…”

His voice cracked. He couldn’t finish. He dropped into a crouch and buried his head in his hands, shoulders trembling.

Shauna’s tears silently slid down her cheeks. But she knew better than anyone – once Mr. Baron made a decision, no one could change it.

Inside the OR, Baron stared at the scorched, barely recognizable body lying on the table. His brows were drawn tight in a deep, pained crease.

This was going to be a major operation.

With burns this severe, she’d need skin grafts for sure

–

but the priority now was saving her life.

He started up the diagnostic equipment to run a full-body scan. But suddenly, a cough racked his chest. A mouthful of blood spilled violently from his lips.

He dropped to one knee, gasping, eyes darkening.

The wounds all over his body seemed to flare at once, hot and throbbing, blood seeping freely.

Baron glanced down at the growing pool beneath him and let out a bitter chuckle. Under the sterile glare of the surgical lamp, that red mole under his eye gleamed like something cursed, something wicked.

“Natalie, if I’d known five years later I’d be tangled up with you like this, I never would’ve saved Jensen for you back then – even if you were dying right in front of me.”

“And now I’m gambling my life. If you dare die on me again, I swear I’ll drag you back from the afterlife myself. Do you hear me?”

Didn’t react. Gave him

and forced himself

eyed her bald, burned scalp and clicked

“You look awful.”

pulled out a small, unlabeled vial. Tapping a single pill

formulas. Even if you’ve only got one breath left, I’ll drag you back with it. Natalie, I’m about to fight death

words left his mouth, Natalie’s

didn’t open her eyes. Her breathing was still faint barely there. But that tiny

–

1/3

into a

close to her ear and whispered, “If you survive this, I’ll be your shield. No terms, no conditions. I’ll back you, no matter

the corner of Natalie’s eye. The heart monitor’s pitch

Baron’s expression shifted.

< 5

She wanted to live.

wanted to live, he’d make sure she did –

His stamina was nearly gone. He wasn’t sure he could

slid over to a

–

— a formula that could ramp up mental clarity and endurance in minutes. But the side effects were harsh. Especially on a

for

to

thought, Baron ripped open the buttons

clattered to the

breath. His fingers brushed over

I fail to save you, I’ll stitch your ashes into this scar. And