Chapter 45. I Love You

Tristan

I vaguely heard myself groan as blinding light pierced my eyes. A faint pain dulled my senses, yet as I adjusted to the brightness I could recognize where I was.

The hospital.

The blur of Alyn's threats, Valerie and the gunshot remained in my mind. And what happened after I lost consciousness…

I shifted, attempting to sit up only to halt at a heavy sensation. Turning to my bedside I realised I wasn't alone. I would recognise that hair anywhere.

Valerie.

She was asleep, her arms intertwined on the empty space on the bed to pillow her face. Her platinum blonde waves swam across the blue mattress. Her eyes were flushed, and I quickly understood why as I noticed the dried sheen tracking her cheeks. Tear stains.

“