I gazed at him, the intensity radiating from him, even in sleep, seemingly impossible for someone in his state. I knew firsthand, from that first conversation, what it was like to have his attention 100 percent centered on you.
The truth of the matter was that I hoped like hell I got the chance again.
Chapter 2
GRACE
“Shh, don’t wake her.” A hushed voice roused me the next night as I once again sat curled into the chair next to Ruston’s bed. I hadn’t even realized I’d fallen asleep.
“He wouldn't want her to be so uncomfortable,” another answered worriedly.
“I have a feeling there’s no talking her out of it,” a third replied, and I could hear the smile in her words.
At that, I shifted, opening my eyes blearily to find the women of the Royal Bloods: Dallas, Lanie, and Ruston’s younger sister, Ava, all watching me.
I sat up in the chair, rubbing a hand over the back of my stiff neck.
“We brought some dinner,” Ava shared in greeting, her eyes kind as she held up a bag.
“Thanks,” I replied gratefully. In my rush to get to the hospital after work, I’d forgotten to eat.
“You want to come to the cafeteria and eat with us?” Dallas asked.
I looked over at Ruston, finding him in much the same position he’d been.
“He’s doing fine. The doctor was just in,” Ava reassured me. “He’d want you to eat.”
“Okay,” I agreed, rising and following them from the room. “Where are the guys?” I inquired after Tank, Dallas’s husband, and Cason, both of whom had been part of the mission that had injured Ruston.
“At your headquarters,” Dallas explained.
Our two clubs had grown close over the past few weeks, bonded by a mutual vendetta and the aftermath that followed.
We found a table in the cafeteria, unwrapping the tacos the girls had picked up. I dug in enthusiastically, not realizing how hungry I’d been.
“As much as I don’t want to leave Ruston, we have to get back to Bishop. There’s some club business the guys have to deal with. But I’ll be back up as soon as I can,” Ava broke in.
“He’ll be okay,” I was quick to assure her, wanting to soothe the guilt clear as day in her eyes.
“I can’t tell you how much it means to me, knowing that you’re here with him,” she murmured. “It makes leaving a little bit easier.”
I was both shocked and moved by how quickly and openly she’d accepted my visiting her brother.
“I’m sure he’ll be right behind you as soon as he’s up and around.” I forced a smile, though the words burned my throat.
Lanie and Dallas shared a look. “Not so sure about that, sister,” Dallas replied dryly.
I didn’t press her to explain, fearing the hope that blossomed in my chest at her words.
When they left that night and I curled into my familiar chair, my gaze locked on his sleeping form, I wondered just how hard my heart would break when he walked out of my life.
* * *
The next morning as I awoke, my body slumped over the hospital bed, at first, I couldn’t place what was different. Then I took in the warm weight of a hand atop my head.
I shot upright, knowing my eyes must look wild as I took in Ruston, his green eyes open and intent on me.
“You’re awake,” I blurted.
