Page 106 of Cocky Brutal Sinner

“Maura would want you to go home and get some sleep if she knew how many hours you spent on the floor.”

“I could say the same for you,” I point out. “Her doctor told us she’s stable. She wouldn’t mind if you went home to relax for a bit.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. She’s my wife. I’m not leaving.”

I snort. “Has anyone ever told you you’re the world’s biggest wife guy?”

For the first time in days, his mouth twitches into a tiny smile. “Yes. My wife.”

A small knock sounds on the door, and a smiling nurse in Snoopy scrubs appears.

“Mr. Keller?” she says.

James shoots to his feet. “Yes?”

“Your wife just woke up, and she’s asking for you.”

James hesitates a fraction of a second. “Did she say anything else?”

The nurse's eyes crinkle. “She asked if you've slept. I lied. You're welcome.”

A muscle in his jaw moves. He nods at her, very seriously, like she just bought him stock options.

“Thank you,” he says, his voice warmer than I’ve ever heard it. He follows her out of the room, leaving me alone. I check to see if Beau’s texted me, and I’m surprised to see the messages in the girl group chat. We’ve used it to coordinate people coming and going from the hospital, but we haven’t used it to just talk…not since the Peppermint reveal.

Pippa

Adding Eden to ask, where the hell did you find the amazing Chinese food you brought to the hospital last night?

Cat

OMG yes, I had a dream about their chicken fried rice last night.

Pippa

No bogarting, because you can’t say no to a pregnant lady.

Eden

Eden

Thrilled to be in the chat, and I would NEVER conceal my take-out secrets. Which makes them not secrets. It’s a block from Brinley’s place. I think it’s just called Happy Food?

Pippa

Brinley, plz confirm.

My heart thuds. I recognize the text for what it is—a gesture of forgiveness, of readmission into the pack.

Brinley

Deepest apologies for not introducing the world to Happy Food. They’re my takeout faves. Ask them for the mystery dessert and prepare to be shocked. You never know if you’ll get green tea ice cream, mooncakes, or deep-fried bananas.

Cat

I want all of those in my stomach stat.

Pippa