For Maverick, displaying emotion was a sign of weakness, but as he folded his hands over hers, he couldn’t hold back the tears of joy at touching her warm skin, so full of life. He could have lost her, but he hadn’t. And that’s what he’d cling to while he got them through this.
She wiped his tears with her thumb. “It was bad, huh?” Her raspy voice a harsh reminder of what she’d endured.
“Nothing I couldn’t handle.” No need to scare or upset her. There would be time, later, for the blatant, terrifying truth.
“Did we get him?”
“He was arrested and charged with kidnapping and attempted murder. That said, I’m sure he has a team of top-notch attorneys working to get him out on bond.”
She started to sit up, but he placed gentle hands on her shoulders. “Easy, babe.”
“I don’t want Internado to get away—”
“He won’t be able to slither out of this. The DNA results showed a match with your client. The police stopped by while you were sleeping. They’ll be back.”
“What time is it?”
Maverick checked his phone. “Five o’clock, Saturday morning.”
She sank back onto the pillow and stared at the ceiling. “I’m sorry.”
He leaned close, kissed her. Her warm lips calmed his tormented soul. The emotion burbled up again, tears welling in his eyes. “I love you, so damn much.”
The pinch between her brows faded, a tiny smile lifted her lips. “I love you so much, Ashton.”
He pressed his lips to her forehead and breathed. “I can’t—I won’t—live without you.”
She placed her hand over her heart. “So romantic.” Then, her smile fell away. “I should never have fallen for his text.”
“Do not blame yourself. He’s been manipulating people for decades.”
A nurse entered the room. “Looks like someone woke up. That’s good to see. How are you feeling?”
“Like I’ve been hit by a train,” she rasped out.
“It’s going to take several days for you to feel back to normal. Your sweetie pie hasn’t left your side.”
Carly cracked a little smile.
After checking her vitals and recording them on the tablet, the nurse filled Carly’s water bottle.
“How are her numbers?” Maverick asked.
“Blood pressure is still low. The good news is that she’s awake and alert. Her heartbeat is strong. Whatever you’ve been whispering in her ear the past several hours, keep doing it.” The nurse addressed Carly. “Before I remove the IV, I’d like you to start sipping the water. It’s going to hurt, so drink a little at a time. I’ll be back to check on you.”
Over the next couple of hours, Carly drifted in and out of sleep while Maverick remained her vigilant guard and protector. At seven, he slipped out of the room.
“Hey,” he said to his dad. “Sorry to call so early.”
“Everything okay?”
“Carly is in Washington Hospital ER.”
“Oh, God, what happened?”
“Tell you when you get here.”
“I’ll be out the door in fifteen.” His dad hung up.
