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Archer’s face hardens, and his jaw clenches, and I realize how upset he is. It doesn’t help that we can’t talk privately.
“The pain isn’t that bad,” I try to reassure them, but I assume I’m on some good painkillers.
“The doctors said you’d need to rest for a few weeks,” Archer explains. “The wound needs to heal.”
I shake my head. “I don’t have that kind of time. I have to get back to work as soon as possible. I have new inventory arriving next week.”
“It’s non-negotiable, Everleigh. You could’ve died.” Tyler glares at me, but his face softens when I narrow my eyes at him. “Don’t worry about the shop. Lexie is taking care of it until you can return.”
“Thank God,” I whisper. I trust her to run things.
This bed feels like it’s stuffed with rocks, and I can’t get situated with all the wires and tenderness in my stomach. “When can I go home?”
“Could be a couple more days,” Archer tells me. “You need to recover from the surgery, and they want to make sure the wound starts healing. It was scary for a bit in the beginning.”
I blink at Archer, wishing I could pull him in and kiss his lips.
“We were all so fucking worried about you, Ev,” Tyler croaks out. I can tell he’s holding back his emotions.
“Do you recall anything from that day?” Archer asks.
“I remember the party…” I say, glancing at him, then at Tyler. He doesn’t need to know the details of Archer fucking my brains out the night before.
Tyler speaks up. “So you don’t remember anything from that day or who was at the door?”
I shake my head. “No. I’m drawing a blank.”
“Damn.” He blows out a breath, then glances at Archer.
“I gave the detective the license plates and a brief description of the woman, but I didn’t recognize her,” Archer admits.
“Better than nothing,” I say, wishing he were closer to me. “Are Gemma and Katie here?”
Tyler grins. “Yeah, they literally talked to you for an hour straight after surgery. They were here this morning but left about an hour ago to check on the kids. I’m going to text them and let them know you’re awake. They’ll be relieved.”
I clear my throat. “Is there any way you can get me some water? Maybe let a doctor or nurse know that I’m awake? I have some questions.”
“Absolutely.” Tyler nods and walks out.
As soon as the door closes, Archer takes my hand and kneels beside the bed.
“Everleigh,” he whispers, his voice hoarse with worry as he studies my face. “I’ve never been so fucking scared in my life. I thought…”
“Kiss me.”
Archer doesn’t waste any time pressing his soft lips against mine. I fist his shirt, wishing I could pull him onto the bed with me, but our alone time is limited.
“I love you,” I say when we pull apart.
“I love you too, baby. The thought of losing you had me ready to burn down the world without an ounce of regret.”
I lift a brow. “I kinda like the thought of that. Avenging my death and all.”
He shakes his head with a grin. “Making jokes at a time like this is one of your better qualities.”
“Will you tell me exactly what happened? I didn’t want to ask in front of Tyler.”
“It wouldn’t have mattered. I already told him everything because I felt like he needed to know the truth.” Archer gently sits on the edge of the bed and brushes the hair off my face.
