“Not nearly as fun from this side, huh?” Hatchet commented, waving at the nurses who knew him all too well.
“Zero out of ten, do not recommend.”
He bent down, lips brushing my temple. “I’m so fucking happy I get to finally take you home, Hellcat.”
Chapter Twenty-Four
Jessa and I had decorated the house for Merci’s return. Balloons and vases of peonies filled the living room. We’d set up a station next to the couch with her favorite snacks and the TV remote within easy reach.
Jessa did her homework beside Merci on the couch while I cooked dinner. I watched Merci stand, holding her side, and shuffle toward the bathroom for all of two seconds before moving in to help her.
“I can walk on my own,” she grumbled.
“I know. But if I can take away an ounce of pain right now, I want to help you.”
She muttered as I helped her maneuver to the toilet, and I gently pulled down her panties.
“This isnothow I envisioned you taking off my clothes when we moved in together,” she complained.
I snorted. “Hellcat, I’ll rip them off with my teeth when you’re healed up.”
Her gaze heated, even as she rolled her eyes. A knock poundedon the front door, and I yelled for Jessa to see who’d arrived. A deep, familiar voice greeted my sister and dog.
Once we left the bathroom, I resisted every urge to pick Merci up and carry her back to the couch. She gripped my forearm while taking careful, slow steps. Once she settled, I covered her with a blanket and kissed her forehead. “Need anything?”
“A margarita,” she said flatly.
I raised a brow. “Do you want juice or sparkling water? No alcohol while you’re taking those pain meds.”
“I’m a doctor,” she scoffed. “I know the risk. I still want a margarita.”
“Juice or water?” I repeated firmly.
She sighed dramatically, glancing at Merrick and Kenna standing in the kitchen.
“They’re not going to give you alcohol either.”
“Fine,” she grunted. “I’ll take a juice.”
Merrick’s eyes burned into me, watching my every move. Kenna settled beside Merci on the couch, opening up a folder and sharing her latest plans for their women’s center project.
My eyes shifted to Merrick’s, and he broke the silence.
“Can we talk outside?”
I nodded and followed him out the door.
“I’m sorry for everything I said.”
I raised my brows. “That I’m an asshole for going behind your back and not good enough for your sister?”
“Never mind. That still holds true. But Merci’s alive because of you. And I see how much you care for her.”
“I’ll do everything I can to keep her safe and happy,” I assured.
“I know you will.” He reached for a folded stack on the porch swing. “That’s why I wanted to give this back to you.”
I unfolded my cut, the patches still worn. The leather was shockingly free of bullet holes and burn marks.
