My eyes fly open and stunning mismatched blue and gray eyes stare back at me. I glance around the room, taking in the white sheet, raised bed, and sterile walls. “What happened?” I croak.
“You took a bullet for me,” Honor replies, squeezing my hand. “You need to stop doing that.”
I chuckle, but it comes out as a hoarse rasp. When did I…? The memories come back with a vengeance.The plane. Mike.Gideon.My mind settles at the memory. He’s dead—he can’t hurt my firecracker anymore.
My grandmother appears at my other side with a cup of water. My eyes widen at her disheveled appearance. Helen Alderidge never appears in public looking anything less than spectacular. Her face is makeup free with deep worry lines etched in her forehead, and her wild hair looks as if she’s been running her fingers through it. Knowing I’m the cause of her worry makes my chest ache.
“Easy, sip it,” she says, moving the cup in front of me. My lips wrap around the straw, and I take a few swallows of the refreshing liquid. That’s better.
The door swings open just before Hunter and Ghost stride through. My brows kiss my hairline. Ghost offered to help when we needed a female hostess to slip the drugs into the drinks, but she rarely goes out in public, so it’s a surprise to see her here.
Hunter raises a brow and crosses his arms as he leans against the doorframe. “Are you done with the theatrics, Alderidge?”
The corner of my mouth lifts at how he tries to hide his concern. “I am.”
“Good.” Hunter’s gaze slides to the tiny brunette woman at his side.
She huffs before stalking to my bedside. My grandmother steps back, and Ghost wraps me in a quick hug. “I didn’t leave any trace behind for the authorities to find, so don’t worry your pretty little head about it. Now get better, and don’t die on us. We were worried.” Before I can reply, she scoots out the door, and Hunter narrows his eyes on her as she escapes.Hmm.
Hunter opens his mouth, shakes his head, and snaps it closed again. “Go,” I say, and he gives me a grateful nod before shooting after her.
My grandmother clears her throat, eyes darting between me and Honor. She squeezes my arm before backing away. “I’m going to tell the doctors that you are awake. They’ll want to check you over.”
Honor bites her lips after the door closes behind Gran. “Come here,” I demand.
“I’m right next to the bed, Fox.”
I fling the sheet back. “Not close enough. Get in.” She rolls her eyes but crawls onto the hospital bed and snuggles into my side. I wrap my arm around her, and everything inside of me settles.
“I thought I’d lost you,” Honor whispers.
I swallow the lump in my throat at the raw and vulnerable words. “I’m not going anywhere.”
“Can we agree to no more bullet wounds?”
“It depends on whether or not you become a better shot.”
She jerks her head up. “It wasn’t me.”
My eyes drop to her lips. “No?”
“No. Gideon tried to shoot me, and you pushed me to the ground. I thought he’d missed completely.”
My hand sifts through her soft hair. “Hmm, sounds like you owe me big time.”
“What do you want?”
“A truth.”
Her lips twitch. “What’s the question?”
“You already know.”
She feigns innocence. “Remind me.”
Ah, she’s not sure if I remember. I do. “You are my person, Honor. The one who pushes me to be better, who calls me out on my shit, and who makes me strive to be enough for you. You are infuriating in the best possible way. You make my world brighter and give me a reason to smile. Despite our short time together, I know, beyond the shadow of a doubt, you are thewoman I want to spend my life with. So, Honor, will you marry me?”
She brushes her lips against mine in a soft hesitant kiss, like she’s afraid I’ll break. I drag my teeth over her bottom lip enough to sting, but not bleed. She gasps and pulls away.
