The nurse returns with my pain relief. “I think it’s really heroic what you did, sir.”
Dom waves a hand in the air. “Don’t go fanning his hero complex. Tell him he needs to put himself first and take care of himself before he can take care of anyone else.”
She gives me a drink of water. “We’ll get you back on your feet in a few days or so.”
“Can I see Rose?”
“We’ll get you out of bed in a while and I can wheel you to her room so you can sit with her.” She takes the water from me with a smile and walks back to the front desk.
“How’s Angelos doing?”
“He’s a moody little bastard, but that’s to be expected.” Dom quirks a grin. “Must take after his old man.”
I huff out something between a chuckle and a groan with the pain in my abdomen. “What if the kid hates me?”
“He doesn’t.”
“He tried to put a bullet in me.”
“The kid’s got balls. I must admit there’ve been times I’ve wanted to do the same.”
Another huff of a laugh sends a shooting pain to my lungs. Everything aches. “Stop making me laugh. It hurts.”
“At least the kid’s grandma likes you.”
“How’s Elio been with you?”
Dom shrugs a shoulder. “He doesn’t like me pointing out the weaknesses in his security. His mother keeps him in line. I think you giving up an organ has earned you a sliver of respect.”
Dom watches as I blink sluggishly, the painkillers already working their magic. "Christ, you’re a lightweight. One shot of morphine and you're halfway to snoring."
I let out a grunt, my head sinking heavier into the pillow. "Not a lightweight… just appreciating modern medicine."
"Right. That’s why you look like you’re about to drool all over yourself."
I crack one eye open, fighting through the drowsiness. "You’re a real pain in my arse, you know that?"
Dom huffs out a laugh. "Oh, I know. And you’re an even bigger pain in mine. But lucky for you, I’m too damn fond of your ugly mug to let you die on me."
I huff out a weak laugh. "Touching. You gonna get that put on a greeting card?"
"Already in the works. ‘Happy Birthday—don’t die, you stubborn bastard.’"
My eyelids grow heavier, my body sinking deeper into the mattress. The warmth of the painkillers dulls everything, making it easier to let go.
Dom’s voice softens just a fraction. "Get some sleep, yeah? You earned it. And when you wake up, I’ll be here to remind you of what an absolute idiot you are."
I let out a half-hearted grunt, but I don’t fight it.
“Bloody hero complex.”
On the verge of sleep, the warmth of the morphine dulling the ache in my side, I don’t have the energy to respond. As my eyelids grow heavier, I hear Dom mutter, “Told you she was the one,” and even half-conscious, I know he’s right.
40
DAN
Ilift Rose’s hand and bring it to my face, my fingers entwining with hers as I press my lips to the back of her hand. “Do you think she can feel me?”
