I cuddle next to him, thankful that I’m not gonna lose him. It’s time I faced my own confusing emotions. He matters to me. More than anyone or anything since my parents died. I can’t deny how I feel anymore.
I love him.
And as soon as he’s well again, I’m going to tell him.
I roll over as the bed dips to find the space beside me empty. Sitting up, I rub my groggy eyes, realizing Specter is up and in the bathroom. I hear to the toilet flush and the water run, and then a few moments later, he’s standing in the doorway, smiling at me as though nothing happened just hours ago.
“Lay down.”
He shakes his head. “I need coffee. Want some?”
“Specter. Get back in bed.”
“I feel fine.”
Pinching the bridge of my nose, I shake my head. “I see you’re going to be a difficult patient.”
He chuckles, lifting his hand to drag it through his hair, but I catch the minute flinch. “It’s a flesh wound.”
“It’s a bullet wound that went right through your body. Get over here and lay down or face my wrath.”
Specter cocks his head. “Hmm. Kind of a tempting choice.”
“I’m serious. Let me take care of you.”
His gaze softens and he nods, shuffling back to the bed. Once he’s settled in, I lift his bandage to check his wound. It looks good; bruised as fuck, but the wound itself isn’t bad and he’s not bleeding anymore.
“You scared me,” I whisper, putting the bandage back in place.
“I’m sorry.”
“Do you remember what happened?”
He nods, his jaw clenching for a moment. “We were ambushed. They blocked the freeway and made it look like they needed help. I got out and the next thing I knew I was on the ground.”
“Jesus.”
“Everything’s hazy from there. I know the guys showed up and there was more shooting, but I don’t know what happened after that.”
“They got you here fast.”
He smiles, gazing up at me. “You’re so beautiful. I couldn’t think of anything but staying for you. I promised.”
“You did promise.” I play with his hair. “By the way, I’ve been added to the group chat. Crestvale House? Really? I’m totally changing it to Murder Buddies.”
Specter laughs softly. “I won’t stand in your way.”
Brushing my fingers over his cheek, my demeanor softens with the words I really need to get out. “I have to tell you something.”
His brow creases but he nods. “I’m listening.”
“All of this has been really confusing. And fast. My whole life is upside down from what it was before you were in it.”
“I know. Do you hate it?”
I shake my head. “No.” Reaching for his hand, I hold it to my chest. “It’s nice.”
“For me too.”
