“My baby is sweet when she’s sick,” he replies. “Sassy as hell when she’s not.”
I want to argue that I’m sweet all the time.
But my throat feels like it’s been sandpapered.
“I’ll bring your meds up when the prospect gets back,” he says quietly. “I won’t be far, babygirl. Try and get some sleep.”
As if I have a choice.
My body has officially clocked out.
It’s taking over, shutting everything down, whether I approve or not.
I have a small, humbling taste of what poor Eli deals with when his body decides it’s done for a bit.
The last thing I feel before sleep drags me under is Tank’s hand brushing lightly through my hair.
And for the first time in many months…I let myself dream the dreams I thought were unreachable.
Chapter Sixteen
Tank
“I need you to pack a bag,” Spike says through the phone. “Then I need you and Skip to meet me, Foster, and Bones at Maverick’s place. We’re going to New York.”
Fuck.
I turn slightly, lowering my voice as I look toward the bedroom door. It’s cracked open just enough for me to hear her breathing. Still heavy. Still congested.
“Abigail’s really sick,” I remind him.
“I know, brother,” Spike sighs. “And I’m sorry. But this can’t wait. Patch and Max will stay behind to keep everyone safe. Crusher is on his way back now and will arrive in roughly an hour. So, that’s already three trusted brothers to keep everyone safe.”
I drag a hand down my face.
New York means escalation. New York means this supplier mess just grew teeth.
It also means leaving her.
“She’s running a fever,” I say, keeping my voice steady.
There’s a pause on the other end.
“I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t necessary,” Spike says quietly. “Stefano got word. Someone’s moving fast. We either show up now or we look weak.”
Weak isn’t an option. Not with the shady ass people we deal with.
Not when someone’s trying to fracture alliances and start a war.
Still…
“She’s not sleeping good,” I mutter. “Cough’s rough.”
“Patch will stay with her,” Spike says. “He’s already on his way. If she wakes up, she won’t be alone. If her fever spikes, Patch will know exactly what to do. You know he won’t let anything happen to her.”
I do know.
Doesn’t mean I like it.
