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“I will.” He helped me under the covers. “I’ll get a nurse to put the IV back in for you.” He went to the door, looking back at me. “I hope to one day have what you and Cyrus do.”

“You will, Sammy.” I held the blanket to my arm to stop the bleeding while Sammy went to grab the nurse. But I wished I was home in bed or better yet, in Cyrus’s bed with him beside me.

Sammy nodded once and left the room. I could hear his deep voice barking orders at someone.

“No one goes in that room unless it’s medical staff, Cyrus, or me. You hear me?”

Muttered responses came.

“Good. It’s about time you listen to me,” he told whoever he was talking to. “Yeah, that’s fine.” As soon as those words left Sammy’s lips, Cheesy appeared in the doorway.

“Hey.” He gave me a small smile. “How are you feeling?”

I huffed, crossing my arms under my chest when a nurse entered the room.

“I heard you accidentally pulled your IV out.” She gave me a small smile. “Let me get that sorted for you. One more night and you’ll be on your way. As long as there are no setbacks of course.”

I was stabbed. The only setback would be how it would impact my mental health. But of course, I never said that.

“There you go.” She patted my hand. “All fixed.”

I wanted to thank her. I wanted to speak to her. I wanted to speak to everyone and not stop. I wanted Cyrus there, encouraging me to use my voice that he helped me get back after so many years of not talking.

“Thank you,” I whispered.

Her smile widened. “Of course.” She quickly left the room, leaving me alone with Cheesy who I realized was still standing there staring at me.

“You’ve never...I’ve never heard you...” He paused. “Cyrus is good for you.”

I shook my head.No, we’re good for each other.

“You are. Well, I’ll leave you alone. I just wanted to see how you’re doing.”

“Thank you,” I murmured softly.

Before I knew what he was doing, Cheesy had me in his arms. “I know I shouldn’t be hugging you and that Cyrus will probably kick my ass, but I’m so fucking proud of you.”

I hugged him back, now thankful for the touch since it bothered me before and for so long.

“You’re damn fucking straight I’m going to kick your ass.”

Both of us jumped at the deep voice.

Cheesy squeezed me one last time, not caring in the least that Cyrus was now in the room with us. “He’ll kick my ass but you finally hugging me will be worth it.”

I laughed, pushing him away gently.

Cyrus went up to him, cupped his nape and spun him around before shoving him forward. “Leave. Now.”

“You’re so grumpy,” I teased.

Cyrus grunted, sitting on the bed beside me and pulling me into his arms. “This is where you belong. In my arms only, pet.”

Cheesy gave me a small wave before leaving the room.

I sighed, cupping Cyrus’s cheek. “He was just saying that he’s glad I’m doing okay.”

“What happened here?” he asked, holding up my arm. It had extra bandages on it from where I ripped out the IV.