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“Just rest and get better,” I whisper, a pleading tone to my voice. “I’ll watch over you.”

He keeps fighting unconsciousness, his eyes always finding me whenever they open.

Once Javier has done all he can to patch Rowan up, he sets up an IV, saying, “It looks like he lost a lot of blood. Rest is the best thing for him. The saline will help.”

Feeling bad for how I treated the chief steward, I give him an apologetic look. “I’m sorry for pointing a gun at you. I just can’t bear the thought of him dying.”

“I understand.” He cleans up the bloody wipes and other used supplies, then says, “I’m just going to change my uniform, then I’ll return to duty. Can I ask the chef to prepare anything for you?”

I shake my head. “I can’t think of food right now, but I would appreciate a bottle of water.”

Javier gestures to a side table where a decanter with chilled water and glasses is situated. There are also bowls of fruit and nuts. “Just press the button by the door if you need me.”

“Thank you.”

After Javier leaves, shutting the door behind him, I pick up the guns and find a drawer in the walk-in closet to hide them in. Looking around, I can see clothes for both Rowan and me.

I grab a pair of sweatpants and walk back to the bed. It takes me some tugging to get his boxers off before I struggle to put on the sweatpants.

His legs are heavy, but I finally manage.

Suddenly, Rowan’s fingers brush down my arm, and my gaze snaps to his face.

His eyes are hooded, his breathing still shallow. There are ugly bruises forming on his ribs, so I ask, “Are you struggling to breathe?”

Slowly, he shakes his head. “Tired.”

I lean over him, placing my hands on either side of his head. “Do you have any pain anywhere?”

“Fine,” he mumbles.

I narrow my eyes on him. “Are you lying so I won’t worry?”

He reaches up, his knuckles bumping into my stomach, and I quickly take hold of his hand while sitting down beside him. I give him a pleading look as I beg, “Just get better, please. I don’t want to do any of this without you.” My eyebrows pull together as I stare into his eyes. “I can’t live without you.”

This time, his voice sounds a little stronger as he says, “I’m here, my light. Not going anywhere.”

Relief pours through my veins, and I move to lie down beside him and hold his hand tightly to my chest.

“I love you,” I say with my whole heart. “I want forever with you.”

His eyes drift shut again, but his fingers tighten around mine, then he whispers, “Love you.”

As Rowan falls asleep, I watch over him, refusing to leave his side.

Chapter 30

Rowan

Whispers pull me out of sleep, and when I open my eyes, I hear Javier. “You need to eat, Mrs. Callahan. I can have the chef prepare anything for you.”

“I said I’m not hungry, and talk softer! You’re going to wake him.”

“Already awake,” I grumble, my voice hoarse from sleep.

Both their heads snap in my direction, then Annie says, “Shit, I’m sorry.” She darts around the bed and comes to place her palm on my forehead. “How do you feel?”

“Fine.” I pull myself into a sitting position, then ask, “What time is it?”