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“Thank you,” I whispered, closing my eyes.
I felt his lips skim over my cheeks, the tip of my nose, then my closed lids. When he sat back, I lifted my lashes and I stared lovingly up at him. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“There isn’t anywhere else I would be. As long as you’re in here, I’m not going anywhere.”
I swallowed the lump that filled my throat. “P-Promise?”
“Promise.”
Content with his answer, I shifted, only to groan as my body seemed to catch fire with white-hot pain. “Fuck, what did they do to me?”
“Doc said you lost your spleen and left kidney. There was also a little intestinal damage, but he says you’ll be fine in a few weeks.” His thumb traced over my cheek, wiping away the last of my tears. “You’re going to have to take it easy, though, and let me take care of you.”
“I don’t know how to do that,” I told him honestly, surprised that I wasn’t arguing with him about it.
Maybe I’d hit my head and it switched my personality. And when I was better, everything I was feeling right then would disappear, and I would be back to my normally bitchy self.
Or maybe… Maybe it just made me realize I needed to give in and let myself love this man like I’ve been aching to from the moment I’d met him.
In the face of death, our pasts didn’t seem to matter anymore. The things he did. The things I’d done. Who we were. The two different worlds we came from—they didn’t feel so different after all. He wasn’t exactly a white knight with an untainted past, but hell, his father never tried to kill him.
But what mattered most was that I loved him, and what I wanted more than anything was a future with Colt Hannigan.
There was a sharp tap on the door seconds before it opened, and a nurse with a disheveled ponytail walked in. “Nice to see you awake, Miss Murdock. Are you ready to sit up and maybe get something to drink?” She moved forward farther, her smile tired but kind. “If you’re feeling hungry, breakfast will be served in about an hour. But I’m warning you now, you won’t be getting anything other than liquids for a few days as we ease you back to solid foods.”
“I’m not hungry,” I assured her as she adjusted my bed so that the head slowly lifted. Colt moved, getting ready to stand and move away from me, but I caught his hand, surprised at my strength as I held on to him for dear life. “Don’t go anywhere,” I pleaded unashamedly.
He brought my hand to his mouth and kissed the back of it. “I’m not going anywhere. I just wanted to let her get you more comfortable.”
“I’m comfortable enough as long as you’re right here. Don’t move.”
His lips lifted in a ghost of the old smirk I’d always found sexy. “Yes, ma’am.”
The nurse laughed as she helped me sit up more in the bed, then offered me a cup of ice water. “The doctor will be in to see you in a bit. Then we can get you more comfortable. Your pain meds are due soon.”
The nurse left, but no sooner had the door closed behind her, than it opened again. Quinn and Raider walked in. My best friend practically ran across the small room when she saw I was sitting up. “Thank goodness you’re okay,” she sobbed as she carefully wrapped her arms around my neck and kissed my cheek. “I was so scared, Kelli. I thought… I thought…” She broke off on a sob, burying her face in my neck.
“Easy,” Colt commanded. “She’s in pain, Quinn. Be careful.”
Her blond head shot up, her wet eyes full of regret. “I’m sorry,” she rushed to apologize. “How are you feeling? Do you need anything? We can run home and get you anything you need. Clothes. Toothbrush. Toiletries. Whatever. Just tell me what you need.”
“Right now?” I asked. Quinn nodded. “Another hug would be great.”
She gave me a trembling smile as she hugged me again, being extra careful this time. I wrapped the arm that didn’t have the IV in it around her waist, pulling her closer.
“I’m so glad you’re okay,” she whispered.
“Me too, babe,” I said with a weak laugh.
“I’m taking her home,” Raider informed his brother. “She hasn’t slept all night, and she’s been nauseated.” His gaze went to me. “Good to see you awake, Kelli. We’re all glad you’re going to be annoying the fuck out of us in the future.” I flipped him off, and he actually grinned at me. “I’ll bring Quinn back later. So yeah, let her know if you need anything, and we will bring it with us.”
“Yeah, thanks.”
“Colt? You need anything before we head back? Food, coffee?”
“Nah, brother. I’m good.” He stood, hugged Quinn briefly, then shook his brother’s hand. “Thanks for the help.”
Raider snorted. “From where I was standing, you had it all under control. I just got a free show.”
