I got ready for bed and went into our bedroom, locking the door behind me. Sure it was a little childish, but frankly, I didn’t give a shit.
My phone beeped with a text from Connie.
I heard Sal freaked, you okay?
I sighed. Of course, the entire club had probably heard us shouting at each other.
Yeah, I can handle him. How was Wes? And did you hear anything about Ettie?
She responded a second later.
Wes was pissed, but he got over it pretty fast. I mean, duh we actually ended up helping, bringing that second guy in! No word on Ettie. Call you tomorrow. XO
I sighed, throwing my phone aside, disappointed there was no news on Ettie.
I lay there for hours recounting our argument, seeing Parker’s bloodied face, wondering what Sal was doing right that very moment. And I thought about Ettie. I thoughta lotabout Ettie.
I felt like I’d just fallen asleep when I felt a weight depress the bed. I opened my eyes blearily finding Sal on his knees, his forearms braced on the bed.
“What are you doing?” I rasped, rubbing my tired eyes.
“Watchin’ you,” he murmured quietly. “You look so peaceful sleeping,” he commented, his tone nearly reverent.
“I locked the door,” I pointed out, confused.
He chuckled quietly and rubbed a hand over the whiskers of his chin. “Security specialist, remember?” he asked with a grin, pointing to himself. “And a five-year-old could jimmy that lock, baby.”
“Fine,” I grumbled. At least my intent had been clear.
He swept a hand over my hair, smoothing it back against the pillow. “I’m sorry I yelled at you, babe. I was freaked,” he admitted.
And with that, the small amount of fight I had went right out of me. It was big for him to apologize, especially when I was at fault as well.
“I’m sorry, too,” I whispered.
“Don’t pull that shit again,” he warned, though his bark held little bite. “I’ll admit you two nuts did actually help,” he admitted begrudgingly.
“Good,” I replied, fighting back the urge to gloat. “Any news on Ettie?”
“Yeah,” he nodded, and my heart pounded waiting for his next words. “We got her, just a few hours ago.”
I sat up, gripping his forearms desperate for more. “Was she okay? I mean, is she okay?”
“I think so,” he said, clearly beyond exhausted. “Mack took her to the hospital to get checked out. We can go visit after we get some shut-eye.”
“Did they? I mean could you tell if…?” I hedged not able to complete my sentence.
“I don’t know, Birdie.” He shook his head. “Though, I will say it looked like she’d been left alone a long time. That might be a saving grace, considering.”
I nodded, biting my lip, hoping desperately that my friend was okay. “Come to bed, babe. You’re dead on your feet,” I coaxed softly, moving over so he could climb into bed.
He ditched his jeans, his shirt, and climbed into bed, pulling me close.
“I love you, Kat,” he murmured while kissing my head and pulling me closer still.
I could only think of a time or two when he’d said those words to me and something about him using my name made it all the more poignant.
“I love you, too, Sal.”
