Page 98 of Sullivan

“Yes,” I said, surprising them all.

Sully stepped closer. “What do you want, love? I’ll get you anything.”

I looked past him to Niall. “Take him for a meal. Something real. Get him showered and cleaned up, and I want him to have a solid eight hours before he comes back.”

Sully shook his head. “I’m not leaving you.”

I met his gaze. “You are.”

“No.”

Anna held up her hands. “How about a compromise? I’ll order food from the hotel, and Niall will go get you some fresh clothing and bring it back. You shower while he’s gone. And I agree with Autumn. You need sleep. You’ve not left this room since she came in, and you have barely shut your eyes.”

Sully opened his mouth to protest, and I spoke. “Please, Sully. I need to know you’re okay.”

He huffed. “Fine. But I’m not leaving you to sleep. I’ll be fine right here.”

I nodded, okay with the compromise. I didn’t really want him to go.

Anna beamed. “Good.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

AUTUMN

Afew hours later, Finn stood and held out his hand to Una. “The patient and her protector are looking very tired. We should go and let them both sleep.”

She stood and bent to kiss me. “I’m glad you’re awake. I’ll be back tomorrow, and I’ll bring lunch.”

“Thank you.”

They had brought food, fresh clothing, and their comforting presence. The girls fussed over me, helping me get clean and change into soft lounge-type clothing instead of a hospital gown.

They stayed with me while Sully showered and changed. Anna sat behind me, brushing out my hair, while Una chatted. The men sat on the other side of the room, talking while Sully ate. The conversation looked intense, and I had a feeling they were filling him in on what had happened after he left with me.

Later, when I tried to express my thanks, Finn had held up his hand.

“Family,” he said. “We take care of family. And you are part of ours now.”

Sully tucked me close to his side and dropped a kiss on my head. “Forever.”

After they left, Niall and Anna said their goodnights, and finally, Sully and I were alone. He helped me get ready, then back into the bed.

He sat beside me, taking my hand. “Was that too much, love?”

“No. I enjoyed the company.”

“You were quiet.”

“I have a lot of questions. I wasn’t sure I should ask.”

“You can ask me anything.”

“Anna told me Lynn thinks I was in a car accident.”

“Yes. We needed an explanation about the bruising on your face and neck. We couldn’t really explain the marks on your wrists, so long sleeves might be the answer. She was very upset, but the girls have been visiting, and I called her earlier and said you were awake. We can call her in the morning.”

“Okay.”