“Sooo…” he drawls, eyebrows lifting. “Getting randy, are we, sweetheart?”
I roll my eyes and shoot him a fake glare before lightly punching his arm. He laughs, all boyish charm and trouble, then leans in to kiss me, soft and slow, but with just enough heat to remind me exactly what we’ve been missing.
He pulls back, brushing his nose against mine. “Don’t worry, baby… the next time I make love to you, everything will be perfect.”
God, I love this man.
And I love that I’m finally getting out of this concrete prison that’s tried to pass as a home for the past month. Soon, I get to sleep in my own bed with Colt next to me, not crammed on a tiny hospital cot. I will get to see Princess again and Joseph, sweet, persistent Joseph, who wanted to fly over the second he heard what had happened.
I told him not to. He’s been swamped with the restaurants, and I didn’t want to pull him away. He wasn’t happy about it, but he stayed in London, and honestly, I’m relieved. I haven’t exactly been the easiest person to be around since the accident. Let’s just say emotional breakdowns and public screaming matches aren’t Joseph’s vibe.
Colt makes a few calls to arrange our flight home, and I zone out for a moment, soaking in the hum of hope returning to my chest.
Mum, Dad, Hux, Dingo, and Sia are all flying back with us on the band’s jet. I’m not sure what Anna and Johnny are doing, but the silence says enough.
They’re avoiding me.
And honestly?
I don’t blame them.
If I were them, I’d avoid me too.
***
We’re just waiting on the all-clear from the doctor before I can finally leave.
Sia and Mummy are packing up the last of my things while Colt and the guys stand around chatting—nothing important, just noise to fill the space. Colt bought me a set of crutches and had them custom-painted pink—because, of course, he did. Because he’s him. And now I love him even more for that simple, thoughtful gesture.
When the go-ahead finally comes, our little entourage heads toward the hospital exit. Colt stays close beside me as I hobble along on my new pink crutches while Mummy and Sia carry the bags.
I say my goodbyes to the nurses, some of whom I will genuinely miss, and when I reach the doctor, I pull him into a hug and thank him.
I’m standing here because of him.
But as we near the sliding glass doors, a familiar tightness creeps into my chest.
My anxiety builds with every step.
There are people outside.
Flashes of people.
Paparazzi.
God, I hate them.
Please let there be noevil minionfansout there.Please.
Colt must sense it because he leans in close and murmurs, “Don’t worry, baby. I’m right by your side.”
His words settle me more than they should. But I need them. I need him.
The doors glide open, and the camera flashes fire instantly—blinding and disorienting.
“Okay, guys, give us some room, yeah?” Hux says, stepping in like a wall of muscle to clear the path.
“Dee, are you feeling better?” one of the photographers calls out.
