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“I don’t think so.” I reply, still processing the fact that Sarah is on the loose, and everyone I love is in danger.
“We’ll reach out if there’re any issues.” Jaxton assures.
“Perfect! You’re free to go.” He heads toward the door. “You’re welcome to take your time. We’ve asked your family to wait in the lobby until you’re ready.”
“Thank you.” Jaxton sends the doctor off politely, then turns to me. “You ready to get out of here, Kitten?”
Nodding, I scoot to the side of the bed, touching my toes to the cold ground. The hospital gown gapes in the back, revealing the crack of my ass. “This gown is horrible. Liam probably got a show.”
Jaxton laughs, “I’m sure he didn’t mind.” He unzips a bag I hadn’t noticed and pulls out a comfy outfit. He sets them next to me, then unties the gowns strings. “Can you stand up so I can slip this off?”
“Yeah.” Standing without the metal anklet is new and intensely liberating.
When the gown drifts to the floor, Jaxton pauses, and peruses my naked form. Surely, much different than he remembers, allowing a smidge of insecurity to slither in. When I reach for the sheet, he stops my hand and drowns me in his golden gaze. My belly protrudes heavily with our baby, hips thicker, breast fuller—not to mention the bruises that litter my ribs, and the bandage covering my ankle. Luckily, the elbow she gave me to the face didn’t cause much damage. Surprised me, since it hurt like a bitch.
Jaxton kneels before me, softly slipping each foot into its appropriate pant leg. When he finishes, he hovers over me and whispers, “Come here.” He wraps an arm around my waist to hold me steady, and slids the bottoms up my legs, sans panties. Once they’re in place, he lowers me back to the bed and slips a soft cotton shirt over my head.
“Thank you.” Having comfortable clothes on relaxes me further, encouraging a nap.
As if reading my mind, Jaxton kisses my head. “Let’s get you out of here so you can take a nap. You look tired.”
“That sounds amazing. I can’t believe they’re letting me go already. I keep expecting them to come back and I say I have to stay.”
Jaxton grunts. “They’ve been compensated well to ensure you were healthy enough to leave with me today or give us an entire wing to ourselves. I wasn’t going to be separated from you again.”
The innuendo snaps my eyes to his as a smug smile stretches his lips. “Did you pay off the hospital to let me go?”
“Not really—If you needed care, we would have moved you to a private location, but other than bumps and bruises, you and the baby are doing well. I figured you’d want to be home, or at least with us, instead of stuck here.”
The gesture clenches my heart with happiness. “I love you, Jax.” Our relationship has moved at rapid speed, with the craziest twists and turns, but the realest connection I’ve ever experienced.
His eyes soften before he steals a quick kiss and steps away. “I love you, too, baby. I’ll be right back with a wheelchair.”
He returns quickly and helps me off the bed, getting me situated. He gathers the few items the doctor left and then wheels me from the room.
When we reach the lobby, our family is waiting. They surround us quickly, so the lurking staff don’t snap pictures.
Jaxton’s quick to relay the plans, to which they all agree to easily. My dad declined their offer of a hotel room, saying that no one would chase him from his home, and refused to leave. As much as I wanted him close, I knew he’d resist.
Jaxton formally introduces me to his brothers. My connection with each of them is instant, much like my bond with Liam. In their presence, I feel secure, like nothing will hurt me if I’m surrounded by them.
Like a brick wall, they guide me out of the public eye and into a waiting van. Since it’s late evening, dad promises to visit tomorrow, forcing me to rest.
My refusal is adamant, but the Sandman is already whispering sweet nothings in my ear, rolling my eyes like a woo-girl on Friday night, and passing out.
Chapter Thirteen
Jaxton
Her skin is warm under my touch as I lay her on our bed. Instantly, she burrows into the pillows and blankets like she’s hibernating. After her ordeal, it wouldn’t surprise me if she slept for days. Not wanting to leave her, but needing to check in with my brother, I glanced at her once more before returning to the living room.
“How’s she doing?” Liam asks from the kitchen, pouring several shots of whiskey.
“Better than expected. I’ll get her side of things tomorrow after she’s rested, but several months away from home,pregnant, will have some negative effects.”
Lennox hands me a glass before taking one of his own. “When’s the baby due?”
Holy shit! I’m going to be a dad.
