He pulled away and held Clay’s stare so the guy saw the truth inZeus’ eyes. “That’s all I have to offer anyone, and everyone knows it.”
Clay looked unmoved—like the kiss had meant less than nothing to him. “Green Jolly Rancher?”
A smile exploded across Zeus’ face without warning. “Yeah.”
“I haven’t had one of those since I was a kid, and I still haven’t forgotten how they taste.”
“There’s a bag of them in the car, if you want one.”
It was the strangest conversation and exactly what Zeus needed.
When Shadow’s eyes opened, there was no confusion. He remembered everything, especially the way Ridge had fallen apart. Shadow knew the moment he was awake that he needed to get to Ridge. He tried to assess his situation while fighting against the worst weakness and exhaustion he had ever experienced. A bag of blood hung from an IV pole. He didn’t suppose he could lose that. It took a second to realize he recognized the ceiling. With a Herculean strength he didn’t really possess, Shadow gritted his teeth and rolled onto his side. There was a surprising lack of pain. He guessed that meant the painkillers were good. Either that or he was dead. If he was dead, hewas in heaven. Ridge slept at his side. He looked so peaceful. Gorgeous. Breathtaking, really. That was something that had eaten at his gut when Shadow lost him. To Shadow, there was no one sexier. It had been impossible for him to truly move on. Whenever he looked around, Shadow only saw drab people who didn’t hold his interest. Ridge had kept his heart when he had walked away. It had nearly killed Shadow.
“Ridge.”
Ridge shot up—fully awake—when Shadow said his name. “What do you need? Are you okay? Are you in pain?”
God, Shadow loved him. “I’m surprisingly not in pain. Austen must’ve given me the good stuff. Is Rain okay?”
Ridge shook his head. “You scared the hell out of me and you’re still more worried about Rain than yourself.”
It was true he hadn’t asked about his injuries, but he was Rain’s shadow. “He has a husband. I wouldn’t have been able to live with myself if I had to watch Austen lose him while I lost a piece of myself. When I saw that gun, I just moved, ensuring I was the one who took the hit. Rain has to live. He’s owed the happy life he has now.” Shadow heard how rough he sounded. His throat also kind of hurt the more he talked.
“What about our happy life?”
Ridge didn’t sound angry. It was hurt in his voice. “I knew you wouldn’tlet me die.”
Ridge stared at him as if trying to decide if Shadow was only placating him. “You can’t do that shit to me. Okay?”
“Yeah.” He heard him, but they both knew Shadow wouldn’t stop protecting Rain. “I love you.”
Ridge leaned in and pressed his lips against Shadow’s. “I love you too. Tell me what you need.”
Shadow assessed himself. Ridge wouldn’t be happy unless he helped Shadow in some way. “My throat kind of hurts. Could I get some water?”
Ridge immediately climbed from the bed. He wore nothing except his underwear. Even half dead, Shadow couldn’t stop ogling him. Ridge helped him roll onto his back again. He stuffed a couple of pillows behind Shadow, making sureShadow could drink without spilling his water.
“You’re so beautiful. I swear my eyes never want to focus on anything else.”
Ridge’s mouth lifted in one corner at the compliment. “You don’t have to flatter me. I’ve always been yours.”
Shadow waited until he had a few sips before responding. “It isn’t flattery. It’s the truth. You take my breath away.”
A chuckle rumbled from Ridge. “Maybe I should put some clothes on, then. You need every breath you take.”
Shadow tried to laugh. It threw him into a coughing fit that hurt like hell.
Ridge tried comforting him. “Austen worried about this. Apparently, quite a bit of blood ended up in yourlungs.”
“Great.”
Ridge chuckled at the sarcasm, but worry still swam in his eyes. Shadow felt a little more guilty by the second. He would find a way to make sure this never happened again.
“Would you hold me? I really need to be held.”
Ridge didn’t hesitate to climb into bed with Shadow and curl himself around him.
A shiver ran through Shadow. His teeth unexpectedly chattered. “Damn. I’m freezing.”
