CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Alistair’s Pov

My eyes fluttered open, and the first thing that greeted my senses was the sweet scent of jasmine. Before me stood a figure, its features slightly blurred. I could discern the feminine form, hinted by the presence of breasts on the chest.

I could barely see her face as her hand stretched out and I felt a soft touch to my hair. Blinking a few times, I was finally able to make out the figure before me. She looked worried and my heart pounded fast against my chest at the realization.

“What are you doing?” I asked and her eyes fell on mine. They popped out as if caught in a terrible act and she withdrew her hand in haste.

“I…” She swallowed but I could barely hear what she was saying, as my attention was focused on my surroundings.

I slowly sat up in the hospital bed, feeling the sterile sheets beneath me. The scent of antiseptic lingered in the air, and the soft hum of medical equipment filled the room. My surroundings were familiar, yet my mind was shrouded in confusi