Chapter 212: Will do it right this time
Knox’s breath hitched. He looked down in disbelief as Azrael’s eyes fluttered open. The first word out of his mouth was his name. Knox. Not a stranger’s name. Not a forgotten love. Not ’who am I’ but his name.
The tears Knox had been holding back finally spilled over as he crumpled beside Azrael’s bed, his hands clutching Azrael’s weak, yet conscious hand. "Dear... you’re awake. You remember me."
Azrael’s voice was hoarse, but his eyes were full of love as he whispered, "Of course I do... how could I ever forget you?"
Knox sobbed, overwhelmed with relief and joy. He pressed Azrael’s hand to his lips, holding it as if he were afraid to let go. "I thought I lost you," he cried. "I thought... I was so scared."
Perhaps because of what happened to Kayden, he was terrified that the same thing might also happen to Azrael. He saw how Shawn, stared blankly at the door, masking his devastation so as not to confuse the patient who knew nothing about him at all.
Extreme relief washed over Knox.
Azrael’s lips quirked into a small, tired smile. "You’re not getting rid of me that easily. And...where is that bastard saying bullshits?"
Knox wiped his tears, still clutching Azrael’s hand. Only then did he notice that Ragel was already gone. Knox blinked and looked toward the door. "He must’ve stepped out. But you heard him?"
"Yeah...the kids?" Azrael asked.
Before Knox could answer, a flurry of activity began. Nurses came in, and as soon as they saw Azrael awake, they quickly paged the doctors.
Knox stepped aside, never letting go of Azrael’s hand, as medical staff began checking his vitals and assessing his condition. Despite the busyness around them, Azrael’s eyes stayed on Knox, a tired but affectionate gaze holding him steady.