AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Unless, of course, Thal gets to them first.
And though violence breeds more violence, right now I’m glad for Ciarán’s particular skills and single-minded focus. Cathal needs him, needs us both.
So I will stay, watching over him until those striking blue eyes open again. Until the man I care for deeply awakens and fills the air with his strength and intensity again.
My hand still cradling his, I rise and settle into the bedside chair. Today has proven how quickly everything can change, and how fragile life is. I almost lost him. That thought cuts too deep to dwell on. Glaring at the bandage on my arm, I yank it off and ball it up, hating myself for that weakness when I should be stronger. These men need me to be stronger, not some damsel that needs saving.
The hours crawl by as I maintain my silent watch over Cathal. He occasionally mumbles or stirs restlessly, but doesn’t fully wake. I gently dab his forehead with a cool cloth, hoping to provide some meager comfort.
In the background, Ciarán’s voice rises and falls as he continues coordinating with his men. His words are too muffled to make out from here, but his tone conveys the danger lurking beneath his outward calm. He sounds like a volcano ready to erupt.
I know I should try to get some rest, but sleep feels impossible. My mind replays those horrific moments on a loop - the deafening explosion, and seeing Cathal’s broken body in the aftermath. He could have died. The thought makes my chest tighten painfully.
This world they inhabit can be brutal and unforgiving. I thought I understood that, but the brothers’ strength makes me feel safe and protected to a degree. Seeing Thal now, so vulnerable, is a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change.
Eventually, Ciarán steps into the room, his forehead creased with weariness. “Why don’t you try to sleep, Tinks? It’s late. I’ll keep first watch over him.”
I start to protest, but he silences me with a look. “You won’t be any use to him exhausted. Get a few hours of rest. I’ll wake you if there’s any change.”
Reluctantly, I nod. He’s right, of course. I need to keep up my strength. With a gentle squeeze of Cathal’s hand, I whisper, “I’ll be back soon,” before slipping from the room.
Alone in our bedroom, the enormous bed providing no comfort, sleep still proves elusive. My thoughts churn with questions about who was behind this morning’s attack. Obviously, I have no ideas, but someone ruthless enough to target Cathal so directly clearly means business.
This isn’t over yet.
As I lay there in the darkness, fear and uncertainty twist and turn inside me. The world is a dangerous place, especially for people like Cathal and Ciarán. They live their lives on the edge, constantly dancing with danger, and I’m just along for the ride.
I think about what would happen if something were to happen to either of them. How would I cope? The thought is too much to bear. I need them both in my life, now more than ever.
Hours pass before exhaustion finally claims me. Even then, sleep is uneasy, filled with twisting nightmares that leave me waking up sweating and disoriented.
When the sun rises over the city, I’ve had about an hour’s sleep, but I drag myself out of bed and head back to Thal’s room. Ciarán is sitting in the chair now, his eyes heavy-lidded from exhaustion.
“How is he?” I ask softly as I approach.
“Flat out, but that’s good. He needs the rest,” Ciarán replies gruffly, stretching stiffly as he stands up. “Go get some breakfast or something. You look like hell.”
Smiling, I shake my head and take no offense. It’s typical of him to be so blunt. Still, he’s right. I could do with some food and caffeine to function properly. We both could.
“You too,” I respond, and he grins. “Come.” Holding my hand out for him, we leave the room. Glancing back at Cathal’s still form on the bed, his color appears better than when he left the hospital yesterday.
God, was it only yesterday?
This day seems like an eternity.
Ciarán heads straight for the coffeepot. It’s a welcome distraction from the weight on my mind, and I pour myself a cup as well, taking a sip of the hot, bitter liquid.
“We need to talk about what happened last night,” Ciarán says suddenly, his voice low and serious. “I need to know you’re okay, Tinks. That you’re not going to freak out on me because of what happened.”
“I’m not going to freak out,” I say with more confidence than I feel. “I’m worried about Cathal, about you. But I knew what I was getting into when I got involved with you guys.”
Ciarán grunts and takes a gulp of coffee, his movements deliberate and thoughtful. “It’s not just risking your life though, Tinks. This isn’t a game.” His words are sharp, but not as sharp as the pain in my chest as he speaks them.
“I know that,” I say softly. “But you can’t change who you are, Ciarán. And Iknowwho you are and I’m still here.”
He nods slowly, still lost in thought. “I’m sorry you have to deal with this. With all of this danger and uncertainty.”
“It’s not just me,” I remind him gently. “It’s all of us. And I’m not going anywhere.” I’ve said this multiple times, but I feel like he’s fishing for the reassurance.
