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There and gone before I could blink. He rested his forehead against mine, eyes promising what would come.

“I love you too.”

Asher came to stand beside Calax. He didn’t have to say anything; his eyes spoke volumes. There was a story in those blue orbs, a story that hinted at pain and darkness behind his happy facade. A story that narrated the life of a man that loved a girl.

I tried to convey my own feelings with an eloquent smile.

But…

There were two people missing. Where was Declan, my childhood best friend, and Fallon? A strangled sob escaped me at the realization. There was only one reason why they wouldn’t be there with me, but I refused to believe it.

They couldn’t be dead.

No. No. No.

“They’re fine,” Calax assured me, tentatively brushing at my hair. All of the guys were being extra gentle with me, extra attentive, as if I was cracked glass one drop from being shattered. The attention was unnerving but not entirely unpleasant. “They left a note. They’ll be back soon.”

“And Tommy?”

Calax’s eyes widened, and he whipped his head towards Ryder who shrugged. Both of them glanced at Asher who subtly shook his head no, and then they all turned towards Ronan and Tam. At their guilty expressions, indignation speared a hole through my chest. I was in love with a bunch of fucking assholes.

“Have you guys checked on him?” I asked, making sure to say each word slowly. All of the guys refused to make eye-contact. “Where the fuck is my little psycho?!”

I tried to sit up yet again, but a sharp pain in my stomach prohibited such a movement. I hissed through gritted teeth and slowly lowered myself back down.

“About that…” Ryder trailed off at my murderous glare. “I love you?”

“Somebody go check on Tommy before I murder you all.” Wincing yet again, I turned towards Doc. “And my stomach freaking hurts.”

He nodded stoutly, a weary grin tilting his lips up.

“Yes, getting shot can do that to a person. You’re going to be on bed-rest for a couple weeks, maybe even months. I’ll do everything I can to help make you comfortable.”

“Thanks, Doc.”

He quirked a brow. “Don’t get me wrong. Greg and his buddies were sexist, kidnapping assholes, but the last thing I wanted to do was end up being the private doctor for you and your harem. If there wasn’t a constant knife to my throat or gun on my back, I would’ve let you die.” He shrugged unapologetically, and the twisted part of me appreciated his candor. The guys, however, would not appreciate such a sentiment. I turned towards them, now huddled near the doorway, to gauge their reactions towards Doc’s announcement and caught a snippet of their conversation.

My eyes narrowed, and my voice sliced through the air like keen throwing knives. “What the fuck do you mean you have a prisoner?”