Page 128 of Nothing Special X: The Last Stand

“Two of Morrison’s agents who’d helped install the security system are in your house.” Tech said immediately. “Ranger and Roxie know them. They’re fine.”

Xander exhaled.

“I’m going to run over and grab you a bag,” Tech continued. “Clothes, toiletries, anything obvious. Cassidy, I’ll grab your spare duffle outta your trunk.”

Cassidy settled back against the pillows, irritation still marring his handsome face. “I don’t like being benched.”

Tech’s tone was serious. “You did good work tonight, Morrison. You saved his life.”

The doctor finished the last stitch, cleaned the wound again, then wrapped his upper arm with gauze and a clean bandage.

Xander listened intently while she gave instructions about keeping the wound dry, monitoring for infection, icing his chest, taking pain medication, watching for dizziness, breathing difficulty, fever, swelling, and other terrifying things Cassidy ignored.

“No lifting, running, fighting, or unnecessary heroics,” the doctor said, popping Cassidy on his thigh, their long-time relationship evident.

She snapped her gloves off and tossed them into the trash.

“Now, I’m going home and getting back in bed. And I know you don’t listen.” She pointed at Cassidy. “Hopefully your boyfriend can get you to take my instructions seriously.”

Xander flushed so hot he felt it in his ears.

Cassidy stared at him for a long time.

Boyfriend.

Tech nodded once, then left.

The bedroom was quiet except for Xander’s uneven breathing and Cassidy’s slower, deeper breaths beside him. He pressed his cheek against Cassidy’s shoulder.

“I almost lost you,” he whispered.

Cassidy turned his face into Xander’s hair. “I’m not going anywhere. I got too much to live for now.”

Xander closed his eyes …because he did too.

They moved into the same secured suite at about three in the morning.

He should’ve been exhausted.

He was, but it didn’t mean he could sleep.

Cassidy showered first, and Xander fussed outside the door for him not to get the bandage soaked.

He waited in the bedroom, pretending to fold clothes from the bag Tech brought while listening for any sound that meant Cassidy might need his help.

When he came out in loose black sleep pants, shirtless except for the bandage around his arm and bruises across his chest, Xander almost broke apart again.

Cassidy caught him behind the back of his neck and hauled him against him before he could. “It doesn’t even hurt.”

Xander nodded.

Cassidy’s eyes looked tired, the lines around them deeper than usual. Cassidy kissed him gently, brushed one thumb down his cheek, then crossed to the bed and climbed in.

“I’ll be back, okay. I’m gonna go shower.”

Cassidy hummed, already falling asleep.

The faint sound of his snoring filled the room, and Xander stood in the doorway watching him far longer than he’d intended. But he just couldn’t stop staring at him.