“I know.”
“Make sure she’s okay.”
“I will.” He flops back into the recliner as I prop his feet up and open the door.
“HEYA!” Fury and Khan both shout as I fling the doors open and Oz laughs.
I’m staring off when I hear someone call my name. It’s barely above a whisper. Ella’s leaned into me. She’s finally fallen asleep.
“Axe,” the whisper comes again, and I look over. Everyone else went in and crashed hours ago. I see Oz staring at me, but he shakes his head when I move. “Put her to bed.” He whispers. Nodding my head.
“Want me to close—”
“No, I want to see the sun rise.” he shakes his head. “Text the nurse and take her to bed. Don’t let her or Jag get up before the nurse gets here.” I nod my head, knowing what he’s saying. I move Ella gently as I lean her away from me and stand before I lift her up, cradling her body with mine. Her hand comes up, resting on my chest, and she relaxes. “Her walls are thick. But don’t give up on her, son.” My throat starts to close up.
“I won’t.” I crack out. He nods his head, and I hesitate as I move past him and he just shakes his head.
“Go.” he demands before I continue carrying Ella back into the house and down the hallway to where Jag is sleeping. Laying her down on the bed. Quickly taking my phone out and texting the nurse before I walk over and lock the doorknob, placing the box that sits to the side in front of it. At least I will hear someone trying to leave if I’m actually able to fall asleep. Grabbing the bag for clothes to change into, I nudge Ella awake. “Babydoll,” I nudge her arm.
Her eyes flutter open slightly. “Why don’t you change? Here. Shorts or pants?”
“Pants.” She says in a half-asleep voice. Handing over the items to her and she smiles. Pulling the shirt over her head. Having to look away quickly, pulling my shirt up over my head as she seems to realize what she had done when she looks up and nods. “Sorry.” I hear her say behind me.
“It’s okay.” We’re still whispering as Jag is asleep on the bed next to Ella. She stands up, slipping her jeans down. Luckily, my shirt covers anything up as I turn, slipping off my jeans and pulling up the shorts before I face her and she’s staring at me. “You forgot how bad they were.” I laugh.
“No,” she pauses. “I forgot the feelings it gives me when I first saw them.” I nod my head, understanding what she means. Moving away from the bed, I hear her call out. “Will you lay with me?” She whispers out before I turn around, looking at her and nodding my head.
