Page 79 of Burning Justice

“Perhaps you could tell her I’ve missed her greatly, and we could set a date. For dinner or some such.”

Saxon coughed, and it sounded interestingly like the words wedding invitation. Which wasn’t what Kane needed to be thinking about right now.

“I can do that.” Kane nodded.

Hammer pulled up in front of the hospital, and Kane went in alone. He got directions to Maria’s room and detoured to the gift shop. One giant teddy bear and a bouquet of flowers and he was ready.

He knocked on the door.

“Come in.” Her voice was muffled.

He eased the door open, and she stirred on the bed. “Did I wake you?”

She shook her head, rubbing her eyes with her good hand.

“How are your fingers?”

“You’re just going to ask that and ignore the fact you’re holding half the gift shop?”

Kane frowned. “It’s not that bad.” He walked to the bedside. “Some company.” He set the bear by her side and then handed over the flowers. “And something to make the room brighter.”

She eyed him. “Are you okay?”

“Me? Sure.” He settled on the edge of the bed, smoothing down the blanket by her side.

“You’re nervous. You’re making it weird! I knew this would happen.”

He knew how to fix that.

Kane leaned down so their faces were close. “Want me to drag you onto my lap and kiss you again?”

Her eyes flared. “Flowers are fine.”

“Your dad accepted the offer. He wants to have dinner, or anything really. He wants to see you.”

“Thanks.”

He kissed her gently. “You’re welcome.”

“I have a couple of cracked ribs.”

“Ouch.”

“They’re going to make me stay overnight for observation.”

“Want me to bust you out? Crew and Tristan taught me how to do it.”

She chuckled. “I was thinking more like pizza and a movie at the hospital. Until they kick you out.”

“They can try and kick me out. They’ll find out it’s not that easy.”

Maria touched his cheek, her fingers warm. She scanned his face. “Was he okay?”

“He seemed…better. Maybe he’s just resigned to still having limited choices because of who he is. But the point is, he gets to decide for himself now. He won’t be a prisoner. More like…a guest of the US government.”

“Where is he going to live?”

“I guess we’ll have to find out,” he said. “Do you want to be nearby?”