Jay's POV
I woke to the faint light streaming through the curtains. Keifer was fast asleep beside me, his arm draped over the blanket, lips parted just slightly. I smiled to myself and slipped quietly out of bed.
Downstairs, the maid looked up as I grabbed my hoodie.
"Morning, ma'am. Out for a walk?"
"Just a short one," I said, tying my hair. "Tell Keifer I'll be right back."
The morning breeze was cool against my skin. I walked down the street, letting the calm settle in my chest — then a sharp screech jolted me. I turned. A van. Too close. Too fast.
Before I could react, rough hands grabbed me. A cloth pressed to my face. The air turned heavy, dizzy. My vision blurred as fear passed through me. Then — nothing.
When I came to, the sound of an engine faded in the distance. My body ached. Something warm trickled down my arm. I tried to move, but pain pinned me in place.
Somewhere far off, I heard my name. "Jay!"
Keifer's voice — desperate, breaking.
Then he was kneeling beside me, shirt already off, pressing it against my wound. His hands trembled.
"Hey, hey — look at me," he said, trying to keep his voice steady. "You're going to be okay. I've got you."
blood too much blood
Keifer's POV
Seeing her like that froze everything inside me. Blood on my hands. Her breathing shallow. I couldn't think — only move.
I scooped her into my arms and ran for the car. "Stay with me, Jay," I whispered as tires screeched and the kidnappers sped off into the horizon.
I didn't look back. My whole world was in my arms, and I wouldn't lose her. Not now.