“General Garner,” he greeted, attempting to sound pleasant. “Can I help you with anything?”
“I would like to speak to my son. Alone.”
John shot us a look before turning to face James’ father. I didn’t know much about their relationship. James was a very private person, but judging from Haley’s reaction…their relationship wasn’t a good one. “That can be arranged, sir. Come. I’ll show you to his office.”
Once they were out of earshot, Haley turned to her agent. “You don’t have to do this, James.”
He pulled her to his chest, wrapping his arm around her as she got the last word out. “I love you” he rasped. Dean and I stepped back to give them some space. This was a private moment.
“You good here, Garner?” Dean asked after a moment.
He pulled away from Haley slightly and met his eyes. “I can handle my father, Connors.”
Dean gave him a chin lift. “We're going to head to the hospital…” He trailed off, leaving room for Haley to speak up. Her cheek was against James’ chest, her arms banded around his waist.
“I’m staying with James,” she declared, leaving no room for argument. Her lover was looking at her as if he was seeing her for the first time, love shining in his dark eyes.
Sullie and Dom stepped up. “You need any help dealing with him, you let us know,” Sullie said, looking at James.
“Federal building,” James deadpanned.
“You two are family, agent. We protect our own here,” Dom said gruffly.
With that, we said our goodbyes and headed to the hospital. Dean’s hand landed on my thigh once he pulled his Mustang out of the parking lot. I looked up at the building, dark clouds hovering over it.
“Haley pulled her claws out with that one, didn’t she?” I mused as Dean squeezed my thigh.
“Well, that man is exactly the type of monster you want to fight against.”
I looked at him. “You know, don’t you?”
He smirked. “Baby girl, never underestimate me.”
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Collin
“Col?”
I blinked a few times.
Why was everything so fucking fuzzy?
“Dr. Stevens! Derik! He's awake!” my angel cried.
Dr. Stevens?
Who the fuck was Derik?
The light above me was blinding, and I winced when I tried to bring my hand up to shield my face.
“Col? Col, look at me,” she begged as her shadow loomed over me. Everything came into focus around me slowly. Her heart shaped face came into view, her blonde hair cascading around either side of my head. Her sky-blue eyes were bloodshot and puffy, her skin flushed, and her bottom lip trembling.
“Angel,” I croaked. “Is this heaven?”Fuck, my throat was sore.
She sobbed, her hand touching my cheek. “Heaven is anywhere that you're breathing, Collin Stevens.”
Her forehead landed against mine, and slowly, I put my hands on her waist, squeezing her gently. I needed a reminder that she was real.
