“Uh, with three of his loves in different hospital rooms? Does Doc have a death wish I don’t know about?”
Hollis snorts and my face warms. I didn’t really mean to say that aloud. Thankfully, he took it in his stride, as none of the Amatos seem to have a sense of humor when it comes to Doc—unless they’re the ones cursing him. Considering how the Martellis—or, I suppose, the O’Connels now—feel about Sarah, I’d say that’s fair.
My brain stutters…fuck, this is what Carter was talking about. We’re no longer one side or another. It's going to take a while to get used to, especially if it means dealing with Leandro. Maybe Lio can rein in the Overlord…
“Please, make sure you get some rest,” I murmur as he takes a step back, turning toward the door to check on the other parts of his heart.
“I’d worry about yourself, Chaos.” Hollis’s voice is rough, but if he meant to snap at me, he failed. At my raised eyebrow, he makes a disgusted noise in the back of his throat. “Jayden won’t take it easy on you if you push yourself too hard.”
I suppress my shudder of want, but I don’t think I’m successful given the sudden narrowing of Hollis's eyes. Thankfully, he walks out without a word, and I breathe easier.Fuck. There are some things I don’t need him to know.
Instead, I continue my vigil over my love. The next time there’s movement, I glance over wearily. Sure enough, Jayden is there.Fuck.
“Princess, did I not make it clear that you’re to rest?”
The razor edge to him draws me in, but I fight it. I may want to get on my knees for him, but I won’t make it easy. My lips twist in frustration. “I’m sitting down. That is resting. I can’t leave him. Not right now.”
“Leave him be,” another voice interrupts, and I stare in shock as Tennant walks in, brushing against Jayden, who merely sneers.
“And who put you in charge? As is, your ass is going to be mine again soon.” Jayden pointedly stares at the bandage covering Tennant’s arm.
Tennant waves him off. “He’s not your pet. Not yet, at least. I’ll make sure he gets back to his room after Roman wakes up.”
With a huff, Jayden whirls around and stalks off. I almost feel sorry for whoever he’s going to put in their place next. It sounds like he may have some frustration to work off.
“Thank—”
“No. We’re not doing that. Just…sit and be quiet.”
I press my lips together to stop the laugh that wants to bubble out.Fuck, who knew Tennant was so much fun?
He doesn’t say anything else to me. The silence is surprisingly comfortable given our past. But, at the end of the day, we’re the same in many ways. We fight for those we love. And we don’t walk away. It’s not who we are. Perhaps he sees that in me—I see it in him. I can even see why Roman fell in love with the man. And fuck if that isn’t the weirdest sensation.
Eventually, he leaves to check on one of his other loves, and it’s only me keeping vigil, but I know it won’t be that way for long. Truly, that is the miracle in all of this. Roman…he’s brought us all together. And I can’t think of a better family to have than one bound by love rather than blind loyalty. He’s shown me that.
So even if it means dealing with the fucking Overlord or Cristian, I’ll give Roman my complete allegiance. Because at theend of the day, how can I not? A man with a heart like his is rare…and no matter what happens, I’ll stay by his side.
Now, I just need him to wake up, so I can wrap him in my arms and tell him that whatever journey is ahead of us, there’s nobody else I’d rather walk beside.
Ifeel suffocated. Groaning, I try to reach up and pull off whatever’s over my face, only to be stopped by a strong hand gripping my wrist.
“Leave it, Little Prince.”
Tennant’s voice has me turning my head to look at him. “Ten…” Whatever’s covering my face makes it difficult to speak, and tears immediately fill my eyes when I meet Tennant’s.
“You’re okay, Little Prince,” he whispers, leaning in and brushing his lips against my forehead. “You’re safe now.”
I shake my head as I begin to tremble. “Lio…” I try to ask.
Before Tennant can answer my question, I look away from him, trying to search the room for my friend. I meet Ignacio’s dark gaze when I look to the other side of me, but I don’t have the capacity to wonder how he and Ten are getting along when my focus is on one specific person. With the hand Tennant isn’tholding, I reach up and rip the oxygen mask off my face, ignoring my lovers’ protests.
I try to sit up, but my panic makes it difficult to do so. “Hey.” Ignacio reaches for me, trying to ease me back in the bed. “Stay still, Little One; you don’t want to hurt yourself.”
“Lio…” I gasp. “Where…where’s Lio? I need to see him.”
“He’s resting in another room?—”
“No!” I cut Ignacio off. “I need him.” My chest rises and falls, and I cough as it becomes harder to take a breath.
