Chapter 158 CHAPTER 159

Chapter 158 CHAPTER 159
CHAPTER 159
KNOX

I hadn’t left the hospital room in two days. The nurses tried to get me to go home and rest, but I refused every time. I stayed right there in the chair beside Yael’s bed, holding her hand, watching her breathe, blaming myself for every bruise and cut on her body. If I had been with her that evening, if I had walked her back from Taekwondo like I promised, Grey would never have taken her. Three days. He had her for three days and I couldn’t stop thinking about what he did to her.

I leaned forward and brushed a strand of hair from her face. “I’m so sorry, baby,” I whispered. “I should have been there. I should have protected you better. This is all my fault.”

The machines beeped softly around us. I hadn’t slept more than a few minutes at a time. Every time I closed my eyes I saw her unconscious in my arms, covered in blood and dirt. I kept praying she would wake up soon.

Yael stirred. Her eyelids fluttered slowly. I sat up straighter, my heart racing.

“Yael?” I said, my voice cracking. “Baby, can you hear me?”

Her eyes opened a little. She looked confused for a second, then her gaze found mine. A weak smile touched her lips.

“Knox…” she whispered.

I felt tears burn my eyes. I was so happy I could barely speak. “You’re awake. Thank God you’re awake. I’ve been right here the whole time. I’m never leaving your side again.”

She tried to move but winced. “My arm… everything hurts.”

I squeezed her hand gently. “I know. The doctors said you have some fractures and bruises, but you’re going to be okay. You’re safe now. Grey is in custody. He can’t hurt you anymore.”

Yael’s eyes filled with tears. “I was so scared. I kept thinking about you. I kept telling myself you would come for me.”

I leaned down and kissed her forehead, then her cheeks, then her lips softly. “I did come for you. I would have torn the whole city apart to find you. I love you, Yael. I love you so much. I should have said it sooner, but I’m saying it now. I love you.”

She smiled through her tears. “I love you too, Knox. I love you so much. Thank you for finding me.”

I kissed her again, longer this time, careful not to hurt her. “You’re the strongest person I know. You held on for three days. You fought him. I’m so proud of you.”

Yael looked at me with tired but warm eyes. “I thought about you every second. I thought about our friends. I thought about my mom. It kept me going.”

I brushed my thumb across her cheek. “You’re safe now. I’m right here. I’m not going anywhere.”

She squeezed my hand. “Stay with me.”

“I’m not leaving,” I promised. “Not for a second.”

I picked up my phone with my free hand. “I need to tell the others you’re awake. They’ve been worried sick.”

Yael nodded. “Call them. I want to see everyone.”

I dialed the group chat call. Aaron answered on the first ring.

“Knox? Is she okay?” he asked, his voice urgent.

“She’s awake,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “She’s awake and she’s talking.”

The line exploded with voices.

Maya screamed. “She’s awake? Oh my God! We’re coming right now!”

Jordan was crying. “Tell her we love her. Tell her we’re on our way.”

Liam sounded relieved. “We’ll be there in ten minutes. Don’t let her go back to sleep before we get there.”

Aaron’s voice was shaky but full of relief. “I’m coming. Tell my sister I’m coming.”

I looked down at Yael and smiled. “They’re all coming. They’ve been waiting for this.”

Yael smiled weakly. “I can’t wait to see them.”

Ten minutes later the door burst open. Maya was the first one in, rushing to the bed and hugging Yael as gently as she could.

“Yael!” Maya cried. “You scared us so much. I’m so happy you’re awake. I love you. We all love you.”

Jordan came next, tears streaming down her face. “You’re so strong. We were so worried. Don’t ever do that to us again.”

Liam stood at the foot of the bed, smiling. “Welcome back. The group wasn’t the same without you.”

Aaron walked in last. He looked like he hadn’t slept in days. He came to the side of the bed and took Yael’s hand.

“Hey, little sister,” he said, his voice thick. “You gave me the biggest scare of my life. I’m so sorry I didn’t find you faster.”

Yael squeezed his hand. “You found me. That’s all that matters. I love you, Aaron.”

Aaron leaned down and kissed her forehead. “I love you too. So much. I’m never letting you out of my sight again.”

The room filled with laughter and tears. Everyone talked at once, telling Yael how much they missed her, how they had been searching, how happy they were that she was back.

Maya sat on the edge of the bed. “We brought you flowers. And chocolate. And I made sure the nurses know you like the blue Jell-O best.”

Jordan nodded. “We’re staying here until they kick us out. You’re not getting rid of us that easily.”

Liam grinned. “We have a whole recovery plan. Movies, snacks, and zero Grey talk until you’re ready.”

I stayed right beside Yael, holding her hand the whole time. I couldn’t stop looking at her. She was awake. She was here. She was safe.

Yael looked around at all of us, her eyes shining with tears. “Thank you. All of you. I don’t know what I would do without you.”

Aaron cleared his throat. “You don’t have to thank us. We’re family. We’ve got you.”

The room was full of love and relief. For the first time in days, I felt like I could breathe again. Yael
was awake. She was going to be okay. And we were all here together, ready to help her heal.