Cutting her off before she finishes the sentence that will likely send me into a rage, I tell her exactly what’s going to happen. “Listen, Rebecca. I’m hurting like a motherfucker, and I want him in this bed with me. Either you give me my medication and leave, or I will hobble my broken ass out of this hospital bed and go the fuck home.”
She opens her mouth, only to shut it immediately. She walks to the side of the bed, handing me the medication and a glass of water.After I take the pills, she sits the glass on the table, exiting the room quickly.
Turning my head, I find Gabe watching me closely. “What?”
“If I didn’t already love you more than life itself, I’d fall in love with you right now. Poor Rebecca is probably having a panic attack, but you’re hot as fuck when you’re pissed off.” He gives me that sexy smile of his, and I start to laugh, only to cringe at the pain in my ribs.
He kicks off his shoes, carefully climbing into bed. Lying on his side, I inch closer to him. The heat of his body soothes me.
“I don’t want to hurt you, baby. Tell me what to do.” He waits patiently for me to get comfortable.
I snuggle into his body as much as I can, and he curls around me, so I’m nestled into his chest. “Put your arm under my neck and your other hand on my thigh.”
He does as I ask, and I want to cry all over again. It’s a hopeless feeling to need touch, but your body can’t handle it. This position isn’t enough, but I want to be held, and it just can’t happen right now.
As if he senses my distress, he kisses my forehead, his lips lingering on my skin. “I’m sorry, baby. I’m right here. I swear, I’ll always be right here.”
His voice trails off and my head feels weird. The medication must be kicking in. Breathing in his masculine scent and feeling the heat of hisbody, I drift to sleep knowing this long, bumpy road will always lead us back to one another.
Chapter Sixteen
Gabriel
I laid beside her, watching her sleep most of the night.
Yesterday was a hard day. After spending three days without her, I was elated when she finally woke up. Even though she was conscious, it was hard seeing the pain in her eyes. It shattered me when the doctor told her about the injuries. She looked defeated.
Telling her about Trevor was heartbreaking. She was looking forward to all of us getting to know each other better. In the end, what killed me the most was when I saw her desperation for my touch. She needs me, and I can’t give her what she wants.
A knock wakes her up, and I want to punch whoever comes through that door. Dr. Thompson enters the room, raising his eyebrows, a grin tugging at his lips.
I start to speak, but he puts his hand up to stop me. “I’ve already heard from Rebecca.” I chuckle as he smiles.
“Please tell Rebecca I’m sorry. Yesterday wasrough.” Brooke’s sleepy voice fills the room, and I kiss her forehead softly. I’m dying to kiss her lips, but they’re split open and swollen.
“No worries. We understand. How about we look at you and if everything’s alright, you can go home?”
“Sounds good.” She nods her head, yawning as she speaks. She winces as her swollen skin tightens, mumbling under her breath. “Fuck you, Brian. I can’t even yawn.”
I smother a grin at her newfound fire, but I wish I could resurrect the motherfucker so I can kill him again,slowly.
Slipping from the bed, I watch as the doctor examines her. He tells her he’s satisfied with her improvement, and she will be discharged today. He speaks to the nurse, and after a few moments she returns with discharge paperwork and prescriptions.
As Dr. Thompson exits the room, the nurse offers to help her get changed. As I begin to object, Brooke stops me. “It’s okay. Why don’t you go get the truck ready and I’ll meet you downstairs? I’m ready to go home.”
Stepping in front of her, I bend down, kissing her forehead. “I’ll see you in a few minutes.”
She smiles for the first time in what seems like an eternity. It’s tiny because of the swelling, but I see it.
My girl is going to be okay.
Leaving the room, I take the stairs, hurrying toget outside. Eric dropped his car off this morning and took my truck. I thought it’d be easier for Brooke. Once I pull up to the door, the nurse is pushing her in a wheelchair.
She looks so fragile, but I know she’s a fighter. She didn’t let them break her and, in the end, she took the life of her enemy. I’m so fucking proud of her.
“This really wasn’t necessary but thank you.” She huffs, making me grin. “Where’s your truck?”
“Eric traded vehicles with me. I figured this would be easier for you.” Carefully helping her out of the wheelchair, I hold her steady as she slides into the car.
