“Austen said you would be weak and cold for a while, considering you lost nearly all your blood. He also imagined there would be a bit of shock.”
Shadow kissed the arm that held him. He felt the way Ridge trembled. “You don’t have to worry, sexy. I would never leave you.”
“Damn right. I won’t let you.”
Despite everything, Shadow smiled. He had lived. Shadow made a silent vow to savor every moment he got. He had never felt more grateful for the existence he had been given. Shadow would treasure it as long as they lived.
Chapter Six
EverystepShadowtookfelt like death. He was so exhausted, but he tried not to show it. If Ridge knew how bad he felt, he would make Shadow stay in bed. He was bored. Shadow couldn’t go back to bed. Instead, he cuddled on the couch with Rain.
“I can’t believe I almost lost you. That would’ve killed me.”
Shadow kissed his temple. “Never. I’m your shadow. We stick together.”
Rain toyed with Shadow’s fingers. “I watched the video. You shielded me.”
“That’s my job. Plus, I love you. It’s always been us—like we’re one person. I can’t let anything happen to you.”
Rain didn’t meet his eyes. “Well, Austen wants to give you a medal or something. He’s been distraught. He keeps talking about how it could’ve been me, and his heart can’t take this.”
While Shadow got it, since he would feel the same if someone kept Ridge safe, no one owed him anything. His motives had been selfish. Shadow didn’t know if he could live in a world without Rain. Like he had told Rain, it had always been them. It didn’t feel like there could be one without the other.
“Austen doesn’t owe me anything. He saved my life. I should think that’s goodenough.”
“Ridge would’ve gone off the deep end if Austen hadn’t. He damn sure would never forgive me.”
That was likely true. “And Austen would have never forgiven me if I’d let anything happen to you. So everything worked out for the best.”
Rain opened his mouth as if to respond. Austen strolled into the room, pulling Rain’s attention away.
Austen was all smiles—like he saw the love of his life. Shadow wondered if he looked like that when he saw Ridge. If so, why hadn’t anyone said anything before Shadow lost years he could have spent with Ridge? Maybe he had just needed someone to show him what he missed. Maybe he wouldn’t have fought.
“How are you feeling, Shadow?”
“Like dog shit,” he answered honestly. “I’m weak, tired, cold, and sick to my stomach.”
Austen nodded along with every word. “I’m not surprised. After losing that much blood that quickly, you could feel this way for days, weeks, or even months. The faster you lose blood, the harder it is to recover. I’ll give you some prescription nausea medicine. Is it okay if I check your wound?”
Shadow nodded and tilted his head to make things easier for Austen. All he could think wasweeks? He wanted to get better now. Shadow had already lost so much time with Ridge. Ridge had left forty-five minutes earlier with Edge. It seemed Edge needed help to set up a big surprise for his husband, Mickey. He hadn’t said how long theywould be gone. Shadow assumed, by the way things sounded, they would be gone for a while.
Austen checked beneath Shadow’s bandage. “It’s healing nicely.” He put the bandage back like it had been, gently pressing the tape back into place. “Now. Will you be okay if I steal my husband? Our dinner is waiting.”
Shadow immediately leaned away, freeing Rain. He expected everyone to do the same if Shadow wanted to have Ridge alone. “Of course. I’ve been listening to his stomach growl for half an hour.”
Rain laughed and stood. “Text me if you need me. I have no problem with cuddling with you.”
Shadow flashed him a grateful smile. “I will. Go enjoy your husband. You both deserve it.”
Rain pressed a quick kiss on Shadow’s forehead. “I’ll check on you later, babe.”
“You’re fine. I plan to get as much sleep as possible. I’m wiped.”
“Okay.” Rain looked understanding. “Love you.”
His smile was out of Shadow’s control. “I love you too.”
With a final wave, Rain took Austen’s hand. They disappeared down the hall together. It took all of two minutes for Shadow to be bored off his ass again. He almost sighed in relief when Clay came through the door. He looked more put together than usual. Shadow couldn’t explain it. It was like he wore hisbest outfit or something. Almost as if he had tried really hard tonight to look as gorgeous as he was.
