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Chapter 26
After a thorough exam and a CT scan of his chest, Teag found himself in a hospital bed once again. This time, instead of taking guard duty, Maria sat next to him and held his hand.
“Concussion and bruised ribs,” the doctor reported. “You’ll be sore for a few days, and we’re keeping you overnight for observation.”
Teag didn’t bother to protest. He desperately wanted to go home, but one more day wouldn’t really make a difference.
“How’s my sister?” he asked.
Annabelle was in an exam room next door, their mum at her side. Tank also seemed to be hovering around quite a bit, which made Teag smile. The big guy would have his work cut out for him if he was crushing on Annabelle.
“She was drugged, but the effects are wearing off, and she isn’t physically injured. I suggest she find a good counselor, though. Both of you, actually,” the doctor said.
When they were alone, Maria kicked her shoes off and curled into the chair. She leaned over and gently touched his bruised cheek. “I was really scared,” she whispered.
“I’m sorry,” he answered. He did promise he’d spend the rest of his life apologizing.
“I thought I’d lost you. Again.”
“I’m sorry. Truly,” he said.
“I know why you did it, but…”
“Maria,” he said, cutting her off.
Her eyes flew to his.
“I love you.”
“You, um, what?” she stammered
“I love you, and I am sorry that I scared you.”
She searched his face and blinked. He read a whisper of doubt in her expression.
“I want to spend my life showing you how much I love you. Will you let me, Maria?”
He lifted her hand and kissed her palm. Her big brown eyes, laced with those thick lashes, peered at him with wonder.
“Yes,” she said, nodding vigorously. “I love you too, Teag. So much.”
He tugged her toward him.
She hesitated. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You won’t. I just need to be close to you.”
Carefully, she climbed onto the bed and tucked herself next to him.
“You fit,” he said, and watched a wide smile bloom on her face.
She ran her fingers gently over the scruff on his face and trailed them softly down his chest. He knew she wasn’t trying to turn him on. She simply needed the physical contact, the same as he did. But despite that fact, and the sterile hospital environment, and the monitors and IV lines reminding him he was in rather rough shape, his cock stiffened. There was no missing it, standing at full attention, under the thin hospital blanket.
Maria grinned up at him. “Well, hello.”
She leaned over to plant a soft kiss on his lips. Despite her gentle touch, he winced at the contact.
“Sorry. Sorry,” she said, carefully easing herself back.
