Total pages in book: 59
Estimated words: 57908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 57908 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 290(@200wpm)___ 232(@250wpm)___ 193(@300wpm)
“Can you convince them to do the same for me?”
He ran his finger over my cheek. “As soon as the doc checks you out.”
I grabbed his hand. “You saved me.”
He didn’t answer.
“You saved my life, Dom. You risked your own to save me.”
“I had to.”
“Why?” I asked, the echo of the memory I was trying to recall last night reverberating in my mind.
He met my gaze, his eyes tired. Bloodshot. Filled with tenderness. “You know why, Cherry G.”
“Please.”
He leaned close. “I saved you for myself. I had to. I love you.”
Hearing the words was like small explosions going off in my head. My heart jumped, my breathing picked up, and my hand trembled as I cupped his face.
“I love you too.”
It was slow to start, then it grew. Wide. Surprised. Pleased. It was a different smile than I had ever seen on his face. One I had a feeling was only for me.
“Then for the first time, we’re on the same page,” he said quietly.
“I think we always have been. I kinda like to argue.”
He bent low, pressing his lips to mine. I was sure I reeked of smoke and my breath was equally terrible, but he didn’t care. “Never change.” He smiled against my mouth. “I love that stubborn part of you.”
“Good.”
“But you’re not going to argue about the fact that I’m taking you home. With me.”
“No. Hannah will look after me.”
“No. I will.”
“It’s not your place,” I argued weakly.
“I disagree.”
“I don’t think—”
He cut me off by placing a finger on my mouth. “I have room. Time. Hannah and Chase both work. They’re young and developing a relationship.”
“You work,” I mumbled against his finger.
“Yep. And General Charly has it all figured out. I’m going to work scattered hours. She’s going to help me. Hannah will come and look after you when she can. So will the other girls. They all want to help.” He smirked. “They’re already organizing meals. We both benefit, Cherry. Besides, as your husband, it’s my job to look after you.”
I narrowed my eyes. “We haven’t discussed that lie yet.”
“I wasn’t staying away from you. It was either tell them I was your husband or beat down a few security people to get to you. Either way, I was coming into the room.”
Something in me melted at his possessive tone. His insistence he cared for me. I kissed the end of his finger that still touched my mouth.
“I’m going to look after you, and that is all there is to it.”
“You’re not the boss of me.”
He hovered over me, all levity gone. “Not the boss, but the man who loves you. Who you love. I almost lost you last night, and I am not letting you out of my sight. Understand?” He swallowed. “Don’t ask that of me right now.”
His eyes, his words, said everything. I gave in because the bottom line was, I wanted to be with him.
“I might be a terrible patient.”
A grin crossed his face, and he folded his arms, leaning on the bed. “I already know you’re gonna be a handful. Ordering me around. Refusing to listen to the doctor. Trying to do too much. I can’t let Hannah and Chase take that on. I can keep you in line.”
I scoffed at his words, and he winked.
“I have ways, Cherry. As soon as you’re feeling up to it, I’ll show you all of them.”
I was about to argue when I yawned, a wave of exhaustion hitting me. He kissed my hand and stood. “Sleep, baby. I’ll be here when you wake up. I’ll take you home later.” He paused then smiled. “Our home.”
“Temporarily,” I muttered.
“We’ll see,” he replied. “We’ll see.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Cherry
Iached all over but insisted on a shower when I got to Dom’s place. I hated the smell of smoke that clung to my skin and hair. Hannah went to the beauty supply place and got me the shampoo I asked for, and she helped me wash my hair. Even after three washings, the smoke scent was there, but at least it was more manageable. I dressed in some leggings and a loose shirt of Dom’s, grateful when Hannah removed the plastic my arm was wrapped in to keep the cast dry.
“Why couldn’t it be a removable cast?” I grumbled.
Dom walked in, carrying a tray. “Maybe they were fast to figure out you’d be ripping it off the first chance you got, Cherry G.” He winked. “Troublemaker.”
He’d showered again as well and looked more relaxed. I knew he was as tired as I felt, but not as troubled. He slid the tray onto my lap. “Lunch.”
I picked up the spoon, tasting the thick soup. “Delicious.”
He perched on the end of the bed. “Rosa,” he said simply. “The fridge is full. Lasagna, more minestrone soup, ziti. Charly brought a couple of casseroles and did some shopping. She brought you some more clothes too.” He looked upset. “All of yours are gone.”