And he didn’t want to lose her.
He showered, dressed, re-holstered his Glock, and knocked on Sydney’s door.
She opened it and his heart jumped into his throat. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her chest and over the swell of her breasts. She’d dressed in a white shirt and black jeans, combat boots on her feet.
“You look great,” he said.
Her smile touched her eyes. “You look hot yourself, Mr. Muscles.”
“Got your weapon?”
“Always. You?”
“Absolutely.”
Side by side, they headed toward the kitchen. As they turned the corner, the smell of salmon and baked chicken wafted in their direction.
Greystone and Caroline were standing in the kitchen smiling at each other.
“Too cute,” Sydney said.
“Slash is out of surgery,” Caroline said. “She’s sleeping off the anesthesia. Carrera’s with her, so we made extra.”
“I’ll bring him a plate,” Teddy said.
“He said he’s not hungry,” Greystone said. “But he wants to thank Sydney.”
Teddy and Sydney headed to the surgery wing where they found Carrera sitting by Slash’s bedside, staring at his wife.
After the cousins hugged it out, Carrera hugged Sydney.
“Thank you,” Carrera said. “That sounds so lame, but it’s all I can do right now. When I heard Slash had been shot—” He cleared his throat. “Sorry.”
“I get it,” Sydney replied “How’s she doing?”
Relief filled Carrera’s face. “Surgeon said she did great. The bullet in her shoulder was lower than expected. It did some damage, but nothing that won’t get better over time. Her shin was grazed, so not as bad. I’m grateful you stopped him before he killed everyone.”
Sydney offered to bring him something to eat.
“I can’t eat,” Carrera said.
“Let us know when she wakes.” Teddy squeezed his cousin’s shoulder. “She’ll get through this.”
He and Sydney returned to the kitchen.
While they ate, Teddy said, “I’m going to the restaurant tonight.”
“It’s not safe,” Greystone pushed back.
“Non mi tiro indietro, fratello,” Teddy said. “Cosa dici sempre?”
“Combatti il fuoco con il fuoco.”
“Se non lo faccio, verremo tutti uccisi.” A growl shot out of Teddy and he pushed out of his chair.
“Are you getting any of this?” Caroline asked Sydney.
“I think Tank said he’s not backing down,” Sydney said.
