Cursed Heart (Cursed #2.5) Read Free Page B

short ride down to the emergency room.
    Pushing the chair ahead of me, I stop at the nurses’ station so I can ask where the patient is located. The nurse gives me the patient’s name and I’m pointed in the right direction before I walk toward a closed curtain. As I pull it to the side, my mouth drops open. A sudden dryness overcomes my mouth and a huge lump of anxiety fills my throat.
    It’s her.
    She’s lying in the bed, wrapped up in a blanket, her body trembling. My heart skips a beat as I move into the room to get a better look. Her face is bruised and I can see by her tear-stained cheeks that she’s been crying.
    From the expression on her face, I can tell she’s upset, and she doesn’t recognize me from the diner. Why would she? It was a moment in time that was apparently forgettable for her…just not for me. I’ve seen this girl in my dreams, and throughout every waking thought, hoping that I’d have a chance to find her again. Now she’s lying here, hurt and alone. I can’t have that; she shouldn’t be all by herself like this. Someone should be with her, caring for her and making sure she’s okay.
    This is more than fate; it’s a chance to finally be there for someone that needs me. I’m the one who will be able to help her, take care of her, and never leave her side again.
    It’s time for me to embrace the moment and take charge…I can’t lose the one woman that has me feeling things I’ve never felt before. Right here in this moment, as crazy as I may be, I won’t let her go without her knowing that she’s someone special.
    “Gretchen Powers?”  I ask. 
    Trying to play it cool, I reach for the tablet at the end of her bed.
    “Yes, that’s me,” she replies, her eyes staring back into mine.
    She looks to be in so much pain and I want to take it all away for her. I can’t help but flash a smile; I’ll do anything to make her feel better.
    “My name is Christian and I’ll be taking you upstairs for your CT scan. Can you make it to the wheelchair or would you like me to assist you?”
    I start to move in her direction but she shakes her head no.
    “No, I think I’m good.”
    My eyes pay close attention to her every movement as she slides herself to the edge of the bed and steps down onto the floor. Her body starts to fall and I reach my hand out for her.
    “Take it easy, Miss Powers. Let me help you.”
    With my arms supporting her small frame, I guide her into the wheelchair. She rests her back against the chair while placing her head in her hands.
    Pushing her through the hallways, I want so badly to say something to her. Anything I can do to help her through whatever she’s going through will make me feel that someone finally needs me.
    When we reach the radiology department, I sign her in and allow the technician to escort her into the scan. While waiting, I try to play through my actions. Ever since going to Dr. Jonestown, I find myself over thinking everything I do. I know there’s no way she can remember who I am. I mean, wouldn’t she have said something if she did?
    No matter how much I want to be her knight in shining armor, I need to step back for a second and play it cool. I don’t want to come across as the crazy loon I know I am. All I can do right now is act the part, be there for her, and let her lean on me…that is, if she wants to. Otherwise, I’ll have no other choice but to walk away.
    I begin to pace up and down the hallway. Walking away is exactly what I did that day in the diner and I’ve regretted it every day since. There’s something about her that pulls me to her. I’ve built up a need for her even though she’s never been a part of my life. I have to find a way into her world; I won’t lose the feelings she brings out in me. Never having had something like this before, I can’t bear to let it go.
    I will do whatever I have to so I can be by her side. If it means I’m her support, her friend, or whatever else she wants…I’ll give it to