Typical Colt.
He goes full alpha mode anytime I so much as wince, like he’s the only one who can keep me safe. And while part of me loves how fiercely protective he is, another part of me hates it. Hates that I’m the reason he’s missing out.
He is their frontman.
The voice.
The one fans scream for.
And right now, they’re all wondering why he’s MIA, and they’re probably blaming me.
They don’t know the truth. No one does. As far as the public knows, I’ve only got a broken leg. But it’s not just that. It’s the surgery. The scar. The‘vacancy.’And if they knew whatreallyhappened, maybe they’d understand why Colt hasn’t left my side.
Or maybe they’d see me as the woman who can’t give him a family.
Either way, I lose.
A hot flush tears through me, my skin suddenly boiling from the inside out. Gritting my teeth, I shove the blankets off, reachfor the fan, and crank it up. The cool air offers slight relief, but it’s not enough.
Great,I think,my first official hot flash. Just what I need.
Footsteps thump on the stairs.
Colt storms in, eyes narrowing as he takes in my sweaty, half-naked mess of a body.
“What the fuck, Dee?” he barks, glaring like I’ve just tried to run a marathon.
“What?” I snap. “I’m hot.”
He doesn’t answer, just strides over and yanks the blankets back up to my chin like I’m a toddler. “Baby, you’re in recovery. You need to keep warm and wrapped up.”
I huff as he turns off the fan. “Colt, I had major surgery, not the flu. I’m not going to melt because I’m not wrapped in cotton wool.” I kick the blanket off again, letting the cool air touch my skin.
He crosses his arms, exhaling like he’s barely holding onto his patience. “I don’t care. You’re still healing. I’m not taking chances… not now, not after everything.”
“Colt, come on. It’s a hot day, and I feel like I’m boiling from the inside out. I’m more comfortable with the covers off. Isn’t that what matters?”
His expression falters—just a little. The fire in his eyes dims, and I see it—the fear behind the control. “Of course, I want you comfortable,” he mutters. “But I promised your dad I’d take care of you, and if keeping you warm and bundled up helps avoid anything, even a stupid cold, I’m doing it.” He steps closer, lowering his voice. “You’re my top priority, Dee. I already let something happen to you once. That’snothappening again.”
Instantly, guilt washes over me.
Colt still blames himself for the accident. Because he let go of my hand, for half a damn second, and that van hit me. I seeit in the way his jaw tenses, the flicker of pain in his eyes. He’s reliving it, even now.
So I give in. “Maybe I am a little cold,” I lie softly.
His face brightens with a smile as he gently pulls the quilt back over me. “Good girl,” he murmurs, sitting on the edge of the bed.
I don’t tell him the truth, that I’m basically melting, that sweat is gathering behind my knees and under my arms, and my brain feels like it’s being microwaved. I don’t say a word because I know if he thinks I’m having hot flashes, he’ll only double down on the overprotection.
And honestly? I’d do anything for him.
“I made a call,” he says, his voice lighter. “Joseph and Danny are coming over this afternoon, if you’re up for it?”
Tears prick instantly. I haven’t seen my favorite couple since before New Jersey. Their names alone bring genuine warmth to my chest, not the hormone-induced nightmare kind.
Colt’s brow creases in confusion as I start to cry. “If you don’t want them to come, I’ll call them off,” he says, instantly trying to soothe me, brushing hair from my face.
I shake my head, tears falling freely now. “No. I can’t wait to see them. These are happy tears, babe.”
