Holding On to Him

Holding On to Him
She froze, shock rippling through her, written plainly across her face. Not even in her wildest dreams had she imagined Asher saying something like that.

“I know exactly what you’re thinking, Tessa,” he said quietly. “That I’m insane. That I’ve completely lost it. And maybe I have.” He exhaled and his gaze flicked over her features. “I shouldn’t be saying this. You’re Lila’s best friend. But I swear, I didn’t choose any of this. It just happened. Ever since that night in the park, when you told me you loved me, I haven’t been the same.”

He stepped closer, slow and deliberate, as if giving her time to push him away but she didn’t.

“I don’t know what did it,” he murmured. “Maybe it was the way you said those words, like every syllable came from your soul.

Maybe it was the look on your face. But I’ve been thinking about you nonstop since then.”

Tessa swallowed hard when he came nearer, her breath catching as she saw it. The sincerity etched into every line of his face left her with nowhere to run.

“Also, I’m sorry for blaming you for the sex that happened between us. The truth is that I wanted it too,” he confessed, and Tessa’s eyes widened in shock.

“Yes, Tessa. I knew from the start that you were trying to get me drunk as I talked that night. But I played along because whatever it was you wanted to happen between us, I wanted it too.”

Tessa inhaled a sharp, stuttered breath. Heat rushed up her neck, and she started fanning her face with her hand as if everything he was saying was becoming too much to process.

Asher smiled softly and reached for her hands, his fingers brushing hers with careful intention. “I should probably thank Owen for making me realize how I feel about you. He was the one who gave me this confidence.” He let out a short laugh. “I hate seeing him around you so much, and I don’t think I’ve ever felt that way toward any girl. Not even Lila.”

Tessa’s eyes instantly filled with tears, and they spilled down her cheeks in a sudden, uncontrollable rush.

Asher lifted his hand and gently brushed a tear away with his finger. “I’m sorry for being late. I’m sorry for not realizing sooner.”

At those words, Tessa broke completely. She burst into full, shaking sobs, no longer trying to hold anything back. Asher pulled her into his arms, holding her close while he whispered soft attempts to calm her.

She cried for a long moment, letting everything she had been suppressing pour out. Then, just as suddenly, the tears stopped. She pulled away from his chest and looked up at him, her expression trembling with uncertainty.

“What about Lila?” she asked.

Asher only shrugged lightly. “I’ll explain everything to her. After all, she never loved me the way you do.”

A small, sincere smile tugged at his lips as he said it.

Tessa mirrored the smile, relief washing over her. She leaned in and hugged him again, sniffing as she wiped her face with the back of her hand.

“So, since we’re leaving the camp tomorrow, should we go see her together?” Tessa asked against Asher’s chest, her voice soft.

He lowered his chin slightly, brushing his cheek against her hair as he nodded. “Yeah. That makes sense.”

^^^^^^^^^
The following morning, sunlight slipped through the small gap in the curtains and spread across the private hospital ward. Damien lay unconscious on the bed, still and pale, while Lila slept beside him. She sat curled in the chair with her head resting on the mattress, her hand wrapped around his beneath the blanket draped over his body.

The door creaked open quietly, and Blade stepped inside. He looked fresh and awake in a V-neck maroon tee, fitted jeans, and black slides on his feet. Moving softly toward the bed, he set the paper bag he was carrying on the nightstand.

A faint smile tugged at his lips when he saw Lila sleeping so soundly. The men had come by the previous night, and Blade had tried to convince her to leave with them, but she refused. She had insisted on staying, saying she wouldn’t be at peace unless she stayed right beside Damien.

In the end, Blade had no choice but to leave with the others. He promised her he would return early in the morning with Damien’s things, and then she could finally go home to freshen up.

But seeing her sleep so deeply, Blade doubted he would be able to wake her. He walked over to the small wardrobe, pulled out a blanket, and gently draped it over her shoulders.

The movement must have stirred her, because Lila shifted and slowly opened her eyes to the soft light of early morning.
“Blade?” she murmured, blinking in surprise, as if only now realizing it was already morning.

Blade offered a small smile and sat carefully on the edge of the bed. “I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“I’m sorry I fell asleep. I don’t even know when that happened,” Lila said, rubbing her eyes as she pushed herself to her feet.

“Well, that’s nature for you. No one can fight it,” Blade replied, and she gave a faint, tired smile.

“Besides, did you even sleep a wink last night? I’m guessing you didn’t,” he added.

Lila’s gaze drifted back to Damien, still unconscious on the bed, and her eyes immediately welled up again.

“I couldn’t help but call his name throughout the night, Blade,” she confessed, her voice cracking. “I did everything I could to try and wake him up, but Wolfe wouldn’t open his eyes. He didn’t even move his tiniest finger.” Her voice broke as tears spilled again. Blade immediately stood and reached for her, steadying her shoulders to calm her.

“It’s okay, Lila,” he said gently. “Trust me, the boss is a fighter. He’ll regain consciousness in no time.”

Lila nodded weakly and wiped her cheeks. “I’m sorry for doing this in front of you,” she murmured with a small, embarrassed smile.

Blade chuckled. “You mean crying? Trust me, I’ve never seen anyone cry more than you.”

“Stop it, Blade,” Lila said with a soft laugh, turning as if to step away. But the door opened, and a nurse walked in.

“There are cops here to see you,” the nurse announced.

Lila and Blade exchanged a heavy glance before moving toward the doorway. But Blade placed a hand on her arm to stop her.

“No. You wait here, Lila,” he said firmly.

She shook her head, just as firm. “No, Blade. Let’s go together.”