Bobby walked around the bed and grabbed another chair, setting it beside hers before sitting down. He was close enough that she could feel his arm brushing hers as he looked over atDonovan once more. Neither one of them said anything at first, merely sitting there, standing guard over a sleeping man.
It was one of the things she loved about him the most, the way he could be there, saying nothing, but giving everything. He didn’t ask how she was or offer useless observations about Deke’s color or breathing or the view out the window, which was of the parking lot and boring as hell. He simply sat there beside her, letting the quiet wrap around her like a warm blanket.
When her phone buzzed in her pocket, it made her jump. She let out a nervous chuckle as she pulled it out of her back pocket.
Roman.
She held it up for Bobby to see and then answered it.
“How are you feeling?” she asked as she answered the phone.
“Better,” he told her. “It only hurts when I smile. I want you to know I made a list of everything that took years off my life this past week. I stopped around seventeen and started adding hazard pay to my stipend for the weekend.”
“Seventeen?”
“Yeah. I stopped there because I grew depressed and wanted to call you. Gideon told me what happened at Matteo’s estate. How areyoudoing after all that?”
She leaned back in the chair as she glanced over at Bobby. “I’m fine. Better than fine, actually, since this entire nightmare is over.”
“And is it really over?”
She took a slow breath in. “Yeah. I mean, I’ll probably have to testify, like my mother did, but there won’t be any hiding involved this time. The entire Serrano family will be behind bars.”
“Good. You deserve to be the face of the company you built. I never liked that stock photo anyway.”
She couldn’t help the laugh that bubbled out of her. “Noted. As soon as the dust settles, we’ll redo the website.”
“Good.” His voice softened when he spoke next. “And D., I’m glad you’re all right.”
“Thanks. Me too. I’ll call you when I know I’m heading back.”
As they said their goodbyes, Dane entered the room, a tray of coffees in his hands. He handed the tray to Bobby, who took it and handed a coffee to her. Dane then leaned back against the wall, his hands in his pockets.
“How are you two holding up?” he asked them both.
She glanced at Bobby, her hands cupping the coffee cup. “Still a little shaken, but no longer stirred.”
They all chuckled as Dane bobbed his head. “Good. Good. I’m leaving Gage and Grim here for a few days in case you need anything. I’m heading back to Biloxi with Blaze, and Hawk will leave your friend back in Oregon since the dust has settled.” Then he turned and shot Delaney a direct, assessing look. “You did great with all this. I’m glad it turned out the way you wanted.”
She felt the heat warm her cheeks as she ducked her gaze slightly. “Thank you. And thanks for being there when I needed someone.”
He glanced at Bobby, smiling, and then glanced back at her. “We do just about anything for family.” He gave another slight dip of his head and then told them he’d see them back in Biloxi and to call if they needed anything.
The door closed softly behind him as the room settled back into an easy quietness. It wouldn’t be long before the nurses came in for shift change, passing off the duties and sharing information. When they did, Deke slept through it all, but the report was good. He just needed rest and time to heal.
Bobby took her to grab some breakfast, and when they returned, Donovan opened his eyes and smiled over at her. “Well, look who’s here. I thought for sure you’d be somewhere a little more exciting.”
She moved to the seat by the bed, as Bobby remained by the door. “I’ve had enough excitement to last a lifetime.”
Donovan glanced to the door at Bobby. “Not surprised you’re still at her side.” He tried to sit up, but surrendered when it proved to take too much effort. “So, fill me in. What’d I miss?”
She filled him in on everything from her side, and then Bobby did the same from his. Sometimes both talking over each other.
When they finished, Donovan shook his head. “I’m going to be extremely annoyed about all of this,” he groaned, “as soon as I have the energy for it.”
She laughed, bobbing her head. “I look forward to it.”
He reached out, gripping her hand tightly for a moment before he gave up and simply laid back in the bed and closed his eyes. A second later, he was sound asleep once more.
