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I smile at my thoughts and feel the soreness of my jaw. That’s right. I sucked, choked down, and drained that snake. I’m not about to be the only one sprung in this relationship.

Suddenly, it dawns on me that the room is too still, as if I’m the only one here. I turn to look beside me. The last time I was lucid, Ronan lay beside me, knocked out with his huge arms wrapped around the pillow.

He’s such a gorgeous sight in his sleep, like a sleeping supermodel, angel, or some type of superhero. Knowing I was the reason he was passed out made my chest swell with pride.

I knit my brows as I wonder where he is. I don’t know how long he’s here for or if his business for his family is done. When we did talk between rounds, we didn’t get around to any of that.

Ronan was more interested in my book signing and how it went. It felt nice to have someone to talk to after an event. It brought a normalcy I don’t often get to experience.

I didn’t bring up Bujar or the note. For one night, I wanted to forget about all of that and act like books and readers are my only business. The best way I know to do that is to stay out of his business.

“Ronan,” I call out.

I listen for a reply or the sound of the shower. Nothing, the room is silent. I throw the covers back and get ready to go in search of him. However, my phone rings, grabbing my attention and stopping me before I get two steps away from the bed.

I look at it and don’t recognize the number, so I ignore it and go to use the bathroom as my bladder begins to protest not being relieved yet. Forgetting Ronan and my phone, I pick up the pace before I wet myself.

Once I’m done, I go to brush my teeth and wash my face. When I step out of the bathroom, my phone is ringing again. It’s the same number from before. I frown and pick the call up this time.

“Hello?” I answer.

“Hello, this is Nurse Everson. I’m looking for Danika Peoples.”

“This is she. How can I help you?”

“You were listed as Den’Nisha Peoples’s emergency contact.”

“Yes, that’s my mom. What’s going on? Is she okay?”

“We have her here in the ICU. She is stable, but the doctor would like to talk to you or someone in the family about her condition. Would you be able to come in?”

“I’m in California at the moment, but I’ll be there as soon as I can. Let my mother know I’m on my way.”

I barely hear anything else she has to say. I end the call when she’s finished talking and quickly dial to book a private flight back home immediately. I’m throwing things into my bags faster than I can think.

“Mom, what the heck is going on?” I mutter to myself as I’m on hold.

I book my arrangements on autopilot. I hear nothing, see nothing, nothing makes sense right now. The ICU? What in the world?

* * *

Ronan

I only meantto make a quick trip to get my things and go for a workout. Dean was fast asleep, and I didn’t want to wake her. What should have taken an hour took three.

I have never hated the business more. It seems like everyone has forgotten how to do their job while I’m here. There were fires to be put out in New York and here in California.

Jonah even called for me to weigh in on some shit in Ireland. That almost never happens. The bullshit is never ending today.

“Do ya want me to wait here for ya?” Rory asks as he pulls up to Dean’s hotel.

“Ach, no. I need ya to head back to yer brother. Make sure he’s getting the job done. I need all the loose ends tied up before I leave to head home.

“Then I need the both of ya to meet up with Eugene. Swap packages with him and bring it to me on the tarmac. If shit is done right, I’ll be flying out tonight,” I reply.

“We’ve been on top of things. This one thing got out of hand. It isn’t just on Lochlann. I take responsibility too.”

“Aye, ya should. Everything is changing, lad. Ya both need to remain sharp. Mistakes cost lives.”