Chapter 71

Jaden

I rushed through the hospital doors, applying the masking to my lips. I made sure to get it the right way round. I didn’t want to apply the toxic film to myself after all. When I was certain you couldn’t see the thin layer coating my skin. I made my way out and down the sterile halls towards her room.

I knocked softly before entering the room, but I could see her lying there with her eyes closed and body tense. My anger simmered just below the surface, ready to strike. As I stood over her bed, I noticed how rigid and still she was, pretending to be asleep. Her breathing was too steady, her body too perfect, like a porcelain doll. It was clear she wasn’t really sleeping. I had never once seen a woman sleep looking like sleeping beauty.

“I know you’re awake,” I murmur, taking care not to lick my lips. Her eyes flutter open, revealing pools of clear blues that twinkle in the dim light. “Hi babe,” she purrs, stretching like a Cheshire Cat. My stomach churns at the familiar nickname