Couldn’t do anything but cry.
“Fuck it.” Saint climbed in beside her as she slowly scooted to the side. He pretended not to notice her grimace of pain. Ifhe brought it up again, she’d only get more upset. Gently as possible, he tucked her against him, kissing the top of her head. “I’ve got you, Beth.”
“I don’t know why I’m crying,” she whispered into his chest.
He grunted. “Because on top of being kidnapped and assaulted, today has been one huge mindfuck.”
“It has. I’m sorry for what you went through today,” she said.
Fuck, this woman.Lying in a hospital bed but thinking of him. “All I care about is that you are okay. Fuck everything else.”
“Was I hallucinating, or did my dad apologize to us?” Her voice grew heavy, almost slurred with fatigue.
Saint chuckled. “He did. It was a good apology too. Sincere.”
“Mmm, good. Everything is how it should be.”
Almost.He smiled. “Just one more thing.”
“What’s that?” she asked in a sleepy voice.
“Now that I’m back in the club, will you officially be my ol’ lady?”
Beth’s heart stuttered. Through everything today, the kidnapping, the violence, the terror, this was the moment that made her cry a torrent of fresh tears. Happy ones this time.
“Fuck yes, I will.” She kissed him, soft and sweet. “I love you, Saint. I’m yours.”
“And I’m yours,” he murmured against her lips. “Forever.” Beth needed sleep, not her ol’ man riling her up.
They fell asleep in minutes, wrapped in each other on that tiny hospital bed, and Saint didn’t wake until Beth’s stern evening nurse stood at the foot of the bed, glaring at them like they were caught making out when no parents were home.
He held a finger to his lips. Whatever she had to do could wait. Beth needed sleep.
The nurse rolled her eyes as she jabbed her finger in the direction of the uncomfortable chair next to the bed.
Lifting a hand in surrender, Saint eased away from Beth and off the bed. She didn’t so much as shift, so deep in sleep he could have jumped on the bed, and she wouldn’t notice.
Good.
As soon as his ass hit the seat, the nurse gave him a thumbs-up. “Thank you,” she whispered before leaving. Thankfully, she shut the door behind her.
Saint propped his feet on the edge of the bed, crossed his arms over his chest, and set about watching over his ol’ lady as she slept.
A privilege he planned to enjoy for the rest of his life.
EPILOGUE
THREE MONTHS AGO, Saint had stood in a warehouse doorway, rifle in hand, heart in his throat, terrified he’d find Beth’s limp body. Instead, he found her brave, bloodied, beautiful face staring back at him. Three months ago, he’d been cast out of his club and thought he’d lost everything.
Now he stood at the entrance of her new grooming salon, watching his ol’ lady live her dream, and he’d never felt more grateful to be alive.
The shine hadn’t faded one iota on his relationship with Beth. She moved in straight after being released from the hospital three months ago, and every morning he woke beside her, feeling like the luckiest bastard on the planet.
And now, standing near the entrance of her new grooming salon, watching people stream through the front doors, he’d never felt prouder of anyone.
Beth was in her element. Balloons danced in the breeze outside the salon, attached to a cheerful sign announcing the grand opening event. For opening day, she decided to offer a free mini groom for prospective clients. A brushing, nail clipping, festive bandana, and, of course, plenty of treats for anyone who stopped by with their pet during the four-hour event.
And did people ever stop by.
