Lina's POV
They wheeled Jasper out about forty minutes later.
He was conscious but groggy from the medication—not full anesthesia, but enough local anesthetic and painkillers to make his eyes unfocused and his movements sluggish.
As the orderly pushed his gurney past us, Jasper's hand shot out with surprising strength.
His fingers wrapped around my wrist in a grip that bordered on painful.
"Lina," he slurred, his voice rough and desperate. "Stay with me. Please."
The raw pleading in his tone made my stomach twist.
Elena immediately looked at me, hope and desperation warring in her expression. "Lina?"
I didn't know how to face him.
"Please," Jasper said again, his fingers tightening. His sandalwood and citrus scent mixed with antiseptic. "I'm begging you."
He
