“He’s getting checked out,” Bishop cuts in, gentler. “Seb’s not going to let him leave until he knows for sure everything is fine. It’s standard protocol, I promise.”
Protocol.
I hate that fucking word because it means this happens enough to have a system for it. I set the cup down on the nearest surface before I throw it.
“I want to see him.” The words come out before I can stop them.
Probably too fast and definitely too honest. Both of Shepherd’s brothers notice because of course they do. Killian’s mouth twitches like he’s trying not to say something smart. Bishop doesn’t even try.
“Yeah,” he says. “We figured.”
I narrow my eyes. “Don’t make it weird.”
“Too late,” Killian mutters.
I sigh. “Can you get me back there or not?”
Killian pushes off the wall. “Of course we can. Come on.”
I nod. “Good. Yes, thank you.”
I follow the guys inside the stadium and down the stairs to the private access elevator.. The noise fades, the chaos shifts, and everything feels tighter. More controlled. My heart is beating way too fast the closer I get to Shepherd.
What if he’s actually hurt?
What if he?—
No.
Stop.
I don’t do this.
I don’t spiral.
I don’t panic over someone like this.
But this isn’t just someone.
This is?—
We turn a corner and there he is. Walking down the hallway toward one of the exam rooms, helmet gone, hair damp with sweat, one hand pressed briefly to his ribs like he thinks no one’s looking. My chest clenches because even when he isn’t at his best, even when he’s in physical pain and vulnerable, he’s beautiful and I want nothing more than to be with him.
“See? He’s fine,” Killian murmurs under his breath, but I don’t answer because I’m already moving.
“Shep,” Bishop calls.
He turns and the second his eyes land on me everything else disappears. The tension in his shoulders softens like he didn’t realize he was carrying it until just now.
“Sutton.” My name comes out rougher than usual and that does something to me.
“You’re hurt,” I say immediately, stopping a few feet in front of him.
He huffs out a breath that almost sounds like a laugh. “I’m fine.”
“You’re not fine. You got blindsided.”
“It’s part of the job.”
