Page 119

Nash

Today

Finally she sleeps. If I'd known a few twists of my fingers would help her get there, I'd have done it the second they laid her in this damn bed. Fuck, it's uncomfortable as shit; no wonder she couldn't sleep until pure exhaustion pulled her under.

Staring down at the freckled cheeks I love, I find myself looking forward to mornings just like this one in our future.

Future.

Damn, when was the last time I thought I had that with anyone? Sure, the family and helping them filled the gap since Brandi left, leaving me fucked in the head and feeling less important than worm shit, but this, her, us is what's meant to fill the hole. What Pops doesn't realize is when she looks at me, sees me, she's loving all of me and not expecting or wanting more than just that.

And what that does for me is beyond anything I've ever known. To be enough for someone and to see that in their eyes is overwhelming when for so long you didn't think you ever would be. Growing up the way we did, I always knew I had little to offer besides a flashy smile and good hair, but damn it if Pops doesn't make me realize that not only do I have more to offer, but I've found someone I want to offer that more to.

Yet still she thinks she's not worthy, or that this won't last.

Once that CIA fucker is behind bars with zero access to his clients for payback against her, maybe she will.

Reflexively, I pull her close and glance at the door. That fucker isn't getting anywhere near her. No one is.

As if on cue, the door swings open and I prepare myself for another flirty round with the nurses to keep my post alongside my girl. Instead, Matt steps through, allowing the door to softly shut behind him.

"How's she doing?" he asks with a longing look to the pink-haired beauty beside me.

"Finally asleep. The fuck do you want?"

"Mac wants to see you. Said he wants to talk about whoever you think that guy was working with. Has she said anything else?"

With a long look down, I brush a pink lock from her cheek and sigh. "Nah, not yet. Besides the initial questions, she hasn't been up for talking, and with the concussion, we're not pressing."

Inch by inch, I slide off the bed, trying to not wake her. I exhale once my feet are safely on the ground and her soft breaths still fill the room. Still staring, I hesitate before turning for the door.

"Don’t let anyone in this room while I’m gone,” I say through gritted teeth. “The nurses just checked on her, and we’re all set for her to leave this afternoon. If anyone walks into this room besides me, shoot them. No questions asked."

Matt nods.

"I need a fucking verbal answer from you, dipshit."

Yeah, still not over the fact that he took the shot that endangered her life, or that he might still have feelings for her. Hell, if he knew how difficult it is to even leave her alone with another man, he'd give me a high fucking five for my ability to fight this urge. But he doesn't know, and I can't hold that against him.

"And don't fucking touch her."

Okay, maybe I'm not as restrained as I thought. It's a learning process.