I attempt to shrug, wincing as pain shuttles through me. “A fair bit,” I truthfully admit because Joshua won’t accept anything less. “It might be time for more pain medication.”
“I’ll get the nurse.”
“Don’t go.” I hold on to his arm. “I have a button.”
“Don’t move.” Sitting up, he reaches over me to press it.
“Come back here. I need you to hold me.”
“I don’t want to hurt you.”
“You won’t. You never could.”
Very gently, he repositions us so I’m cradled against his chest and his arms are around me. He’s careful not to squeeze too tight. “I thought I’d never see you or my family again.”
“I had access to the audio feed. I heard everything you said. You were so fucking brave, honey. So strong.” He dots kisses into my hair as the nurse enters the room.
We stop talking while she asks me some questions, checks my injuries, and then tops up my medication. I ask her not to give me too much as I want to stay awake.
I peek up at Joshua and spot the forlorn expression on his face. “What’s that look for?”
He presses his lips against mine in a barely there kiss. “I’m so sorry, Gia. I promised I’d protect you. I swore nothing was going to happen to you on my watch, and it did.”
“It’s not your fault. I shouldn’t have believed Liam when he told me he was in Ireland until January. We were both a little too careless, but it’s ultimately not either of our faults. He was always going to get me, babe. What’s important is he failed.”
“O’Hara has already rounded up those who were working with his brother. Well, those who are still here. We have to assume Liam left with a crew and they’ve gone to their allies. The board is going over there to interrogate them with Diarmuid shortly. Hopefully, we’ll get some useful intel.”
“You’re leaving?” I hate how pathetic I sound.
He shakes his head. “I’m going nowhere, honey. I’m staying right by your side, whether that’s here or at your parents’ place or Mom and Leo’s. I’ve already arranged it so I can work remotely for the time being. I’m not leaving you until Liam is caught and our enemies are defeated. I won’t risk you again. I can’t.” He presses a soft kiss to my lips again before peering deep into my eyes. “I love you, Gia. I love you so much. Almost losing you put everything into perspective. You almost died without knowing that, and it was unbearable.”
“I knew, Joshua.” I press a kiss to the underside of his jaw. “But I appreciate hearing it.” I can’t keep the smile off my face even if it hurts to do it. “Not sure it’s easy to love me when I look like something Frankenstein cooked up!” I quip, attempting to lighten the mood. Or maybe it’s the medication flowing through my veins that is responsible for the sense of contentment I currently feel. Which is probably a weird thing to say after the ordeal I’ve endured, but that’s how I’m feeling right now.
“You’re still your beautiful self.” He places his hand carefully on my chest. “It’s your soul, your strength, your spirit, I’m most drawn to. Your stunning face and sexy body are the cherry on top of the cake, but it’s who you are to your core that I’m drawn to. You soften all my hard edges and make me want to be better for you.”
“So romantic,” I whisper with tears in my eyes. “I can’t believe the man of my dreams was right under my nose all this time and I never realized it.”
“Man of your dreams, huh?” A cocky smile creeps over his face. “It’s only fair when you’re the woman of my dreams.”
A throat clearing bursts our bubble, and we turn our heads as one, discovering Joshua’s mom standing at the end of my bed with tears in her eyes. “I did knock. Several times,” Nat says. “I just wanted to see how you were feeling. I didn’t mean to eavesdrop.”
“It’s okay, Nat, and I’m fine. I’m in pain but I’ll heal.” I tilt my head to look up at Josh. “Help me to sit up?”
Nat rushes forward, and mother and son prop me up against a mountain of pillows until I’m comfortable. My ribs ache like a bitch as I’m sure they will for some time.
“Do you feel up to eating something? I had Caleb run to the store for me earlier, and I made some chicken noodle soup.”
“That explains the delicious smells.” I smile at Joshua’s mom. “I’d love some soup. I’m hungry.”
Nat leaves to prepare our food, and I snuggle into Josh’s side. “I’d like to stay here with you.”
“Good.” He nuzzles his nose in my hair. “We have beefed up security, and a team of thirty men are guarding the front of the building, the parking lot, the lobby downstairs, and the stairs and the lobby outside. Ben is sending a team to install panic buttons in every room and a new security system downstairs in the building and on every floor. He owns the building,” he adds when he sees my perplexed expression.
“I’m putting guns in every room, so there is easy access should anyone breach the security measures. We should stay inside while you’re healing, and when you’re ready to go outside, we’ll have a team of ten men with us, traveling in our car and in security vehicles. No one is getting near any of us again. O’Harathinks Liam is overseas, and he doubts he will try anything now we have taken his men and decimated his support at home, but we’re not taking chances.”
I straighten up, ignoring the pain the motion produces. “What do you mean, no one is getting nearusagain. Did something happen I’m not aware of?”
He nods, and his tongue darts out, wetting his lips. “Before I tell you, I’m fine, so don’t worry.”
