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I can open my eyes slightly now, and I see him grinning from ear to ear. The edge of my mouth pulls up in a smirk, thinking about the little bet we had.
“Ugh, you really have to bring that up right now? Doesn’t almost dying give me a pass?” Two weeks ago, Thiago and I had a bet on who could get the most questions right inPrincess Bridetrivia. Naturally I lost to the man who’s seen it a million times, so now I have to wait on him hand and foot for a day.
“But did you actually die? Nope. So you still have to go through with it,” he teases, causing me to laugh, then immediately cringe in pain.
“Where’s Greyson? Where’s Lya?” I’m confused as to why Thiago’s in here, but no one else.
“What? I’m just chump change to you? Way to make a guy feel special.” He’s trying to be playful, but the shaking in his voice gives away that something isn’t right..
“Thiago, tell me.Now.”
He sighs. “Lya and Zep went to go take care of some things with the Snakes; Lya didn’t want to leave you but it was stuff that had to be done immediately. Rian had to take Greyson outside and calm him down, after he tried to punch the doctor for accidentally pushing the bullet further into his wound.”
“Wait, the Snakes? As in the West Side Snakes? What the fuck? Also, you left Greyson alone with Rian? Are you crazy?” The machine next to my bed starts beeping aggressively, likely from the increase in my heart rate at these revelations.
“Calm down, Lainey. You need to be relaxing, not stressing. The Snakes had to step in to help us get to you. And Rian won’t do anything—Greyson got shot saving Lya, so I think he’s a little more willing to put aside his beef, at least for now.”
“He saved Lya?” My lip is trembling as I try to hold back the tears that are threatening to spill over.
“Yep, he jumped in front of a bullet for her. He saved the love of my life, and I’ll never be able to thank him enough. None of us will.”
The thought of almost losing my twin fills me with unimaginable sadness. It feels like there are one hundred tiny knives stabbing through my heart. She’s the other half of me. I can’t believe that I might’ve lost my sister, but my love took a bullet to save her. My heart aches and warms with agony and love at the same time.
Just as I’m about to ask Thiago if he can get me some water, the door suddenly swings open and I hear two sets of feet marching in.
“Is she awake?”
My entire body relaxes at the sound of Greyson’s voice.
“I’m awake. Now come here.” I might be demanding, but I’ll blame it on my current state. I extend my good hand for him to take, which he grabs quickly. The warmth of his palm in mine makes everything feel right in the world again.
“Fuck, angel. You scared me. Don’t do that again.” He kisses my hand over and over again. It makes me happy that he’s not afraid to be so loving in front of other people.
“Sure, I’ll try not to get taken and beaten up again. Can’t make any promises though.” I chuckle, though I know right now is not the time to be cracking jokes.
“Uhh, we’ll give you guys some space,” Rian says quickly, as he tugs on Thiago’s shirt, telling him to get going.
Thiago stops in front of Greyson, his dark brown eyes serious. “I’m sorry for lying to you that day in the library, man. I hope we can get past that. You saved Lya’s life when you didn’t have to. Shit, you saved us all when you didn’t have to. You’re not as bad as I thought... Thank you, Greyson.”
Greyson gives him a firm nod. “Of course.”
Thiago claps him on his uninjured shoulder, before following Rian out. As soon as they leave, I shift my full attention to Greyson.
“So… you seem to be getting along better with the guys these days,” I tease, squeezing his hand. The thought of them not wanting to kill each other makes me happy. I know they won’t ever be friends per se, but at least I know they can get along.
He chuckles, but quickly turns serious. “Angel, we need to talk,” he says softly, as he leans in to kiss my head.
“Lay with me first?” This bed is tiny, but I need him as close to me as I can possibly get.
“I shouldn’t. You’re beat up pretty bad. I don’t want to hurt you.” His voice lingers, letting me know he really wants to climb in but is nervous.
I raise my brow, quickly grimacing in pain at the action. “When have you ever been worried about being a little rough? Now, come here and cuddle me please?” I give him a small grin, and pat the bed next to me.
“How can I say no to that request? Can you scoot over at all or should I shift you?” He looks deep into my eyes, still looking hesitant. I shift my body over as best as I can to give him room. He slides in next to me, and I sit up enough to allow him to wrap his arms around me so I can lay my head on his uninjured side.
My hand rubs over his chest, my fingers meeting the blood-soaked bandage around his shoulder. His slow movements and silent winces tell me that he’s in pain, though he’d probably never admit to it.
Even injured, he's the most handsome man I’ve ever seen.
