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“You’re exhausted. You’ve been through your own trauma. I get it.”
And the thing is, she thought he did.
“You need rest.”
“I won’t sleep.”
“You might surprise yourself.” Moving, he drew the recliner over so it was next to Alejandro. He just looked at it, then at her.
Right.
Seemed like she was surrounded by bossy men.
“I’m just going to get comfy. I’m not going to sleep.”
He just nodded, like he couldn’t care less.
But she knew better.
34
The pain drew him out of the darkness and Alejandro opened his eyes, glancing around.
Where the fuck was he?
Turning his head, he took in the white room and the smell of antiseptic.
Hospital.
His gaze hit Rafael, who was sitting by the door. The other man stood and moved over to him.
Then his gaze dropped to where his Pequeña was sitting next to his bed. Her head rested next to his thigh, her face turned toward him.
She shouldn’t be sleeping in a chair. That wasn’t going to let her get any real rest. He needed to swap places with her.
“Boss? How you doing?”
Alejandro raised his eyebrows.
“Yeah, getting shot is a bitch,” Rafael said gruffly. “And you lost a lot of blood. Apparently, we were close to losing you.”
“Fuck,” he muttered. “Shot?”
“Do you remember anything about what happened?”
He tried to think back. They’d been out . . . dancing at The Circus. Then they’d come home. Emiliano. Fuck. Emiliano was Cat’s father. Her mama . . . fuck.
Alarm filled him as his gaze went to his girl again. “Is Cat okay? Others?”
“Physically, she wasn’t injured, but she was in shock. Cairn was shot in the arm, but it was just a flesh wound. Bernard was kept in the hospital for monitoring, but he’s out with Aaron watching him.”
“She should be home. Sleeping.”
Rafael shook his head. “She refuses to leave you. And going home without you might be more than she can handle.”
Fuck. He was right.
“She’s been better since you woke up. At least she’s sleeping and she drank some water. Reuben threatened to sedate her if she didn’t start letting us look after her.”
“Good. Emiliano?”
“He’s dead. So are all his men that were with him, including the ones he sent to Nighthawk’s place and the asshole he left to guard Bernard’s lady friend.”
“Nighthawk okay?”
“Physically, he’s okay, but he’s retreated into himself. He’s being watched closely. So far, no more of Emiliano’s men have turned up, but Reuben is being cautious.”
“Dante?”
“Reuben’s been talking to him. Dante is preparing for a war. Reuben convinced him to reach out to Emiliano’s son, Pablo.”
Alejandro frowned. “You heard much of him?”
Cat had a brother, and he knew she’d probably want to meet him. But if he was evil like Emiliano, there was no way that was happening.
“Not much, no. Let’s hope he’s not a monster like his father. Cat’s worried about her mama.”
And they both knew that she had good reason to be worried. He couldn’t believe her mother had been held by Emiliano all this time. That he was Cat’s real father. They’d all thought her father had been Pirate Pete. Her mama must have told her that to try to keep her safe.
Fuck.
“Ortega?”
“He visited. Reuben managed to convince him that Dante needed him.”
Knowing Ortega, he’d want to seek revenge on Emiliano’s entire empire by himself.
“She needs to be in bed. Swap.”
Rafael’s eyebrows lifted. “You want me to lift her into the bed while you sit in the chair?”
“Yes.” What was so hard to understand about that?
“Uh, Boss, I can’t do that.” Rafael ran his hand over his face. He looked exhausted. Had he been here with Cat the whole time?
Probably.
“I’m the Boss.” He glared up at Rafael.
“But you’re injured. You’re in the fucking hospital. You shouldn’t be sitting in a chair. And you’ve got tubes and shit attached to you. I could move her to the other bed.”
Alejandro turned his head to where Rafael pointed. “Bring it closer.”
Rafael wheeled the bed over and Alejandro frowned at the rail between them. “Down.”
Rafael lowered the rail and then picked Cat up. Once she was asleep, she tended to sleep deeply unless a nightmare woke her. She didn’t stir as Rafael laid her on the bed.
Fuck, she looked so pale. She was exhausted and stressed and he didn’t like it.
“Closer.”
Rafael moved her closer. Alejandro reached out with his good arm and tugged her into him.
The door opened and The Scot peeked in. “Aye, thank God you’re awake. Where’s the wee lassie?”
“Beside me. Asleep.”
“Thank fuck. Wasn’t looking forward to having to sedate her. Reuben said we were going to have to if she didn’t sleep and drink. He should be here soon.” The Scot stepped in and looked at Rafael. “Why don’t you take a break?”
“I’m not leaving Cat.”
Alejandro looked over at Rafael. “You’re no good to her exhausted.”
Rafael glared at him. Fuck. Now was not the time to try him. The Scot stiffened.
