Page 12 of Exile

"You," I answer back as I attempt to sit up. "Maybe that's why I'm seeing you here. You're just an apparition."

Avery snorts, giving my chest a gentle shove and forcing me back down. "Perhaps I used my powers to get in here to murder you. Turns out it was easy. The hospital staff love me."

"Murder me?" I say, amused. "Join the queue after my father. As for the hospital staff, they will need to get in line as well."

"Are you saying you find me lovable?"

Our eyes lock, and behind her playful expression, I see her curiosity.

"Doyoulove me, Avery?" I challenge back.

Her lips twitch into a smile before she glances over at something on the wall. "There's two minutes left of your birthday and our wedding day. If either one of us is planning to make a declaration of love, now is the time."

We both fall silent, waiting to see who breaks first.

"You're insufferable and a bit of an asshole," Avery mutters when I don't speak. "Also, just because you got shot, don't think you're not in trouble for the stunt you pulled."

The morphine starts working its way into my system, my body relaxing as I laugh. "And now you're married to me."

"Bastard."

"But you love me."

She narrows her eyes but her smile contradicts it. "I might love you—a little bit."

The seconds continue to tick by, annoyance creeping onto her face when I remain quiet. I can see her internal rising panic, and when the final ten seconds start counting down to midnight, I grab her hand, forcing her to uncross her arms.

"I love you as well."

Avery's body relaxes in relief—and frustration. "You asshole."

If I wasn't injured, she looks as though she might actually hit me again.

Climbing onto the edge of the bed, she carefully leans on one knee, grabbing my face. I notice that she's trying to be careful not to put any pressure on my body, so I reach for her hips, pulling her against me. She falls on top of me and hereyes widen, mouth falling open to no doubt curse me out. I don't give her the opportunity, leaning forward to shut her up with my mouth.

Our first kiss as husband and wife, even if it's now technically a day late. But I never was one for tradition—that much is obvious.

Pulling back just enough to speak, I rest my forehead against hers. "You were, by far, the best birthday present I could have received," I tell her, running my hand up her spine. "I always thought the ultimate gift would be my father's death, but I was wrong."

"Maybe that can be your Christmas present," she murmurs. "A little murder goes well with mistletoe."

I chuckle, capturing her bottom lip in between my teeth. She moans softly, searching for my mouth again but I've already pulled back.

"That's too far away. But I like your way of thinking and generosity. Make sure you extend that to Grey and Theo as well."

Avery shuffles her weight, straddling my body so she can lean back. I might be numb from the damn drugs she forced into my system, but my dick certainly isn't. It twitches to life underneath her, and I know she feels it too because her hips squirm into it.

I'm about ready to rip the IV from my wrist and fuck her through the bed when her gaze stops me in my tracks.

"I have to go back to Lilydale tomorrow. Well, today," she sighs. "You'll be here for a few days until you're stable enough to be transferred into the care of Dr. Markel."

Irritated, I raise an eyebrow at the idea—because that's what it is—not a decision. There's no chance in hell I'll be letting that old quack treat me. "Absolutely not."

"Damon," Avery says sternly, before softening her tone. "We need you fully recovered. We need you strong again.Hewas here before."

She doesn't even need to say his name for me to know who she is referring to. My eyes flash dangerously, darkening as I glance at the doorway for a split second as if daring him to appear. "And what did the bastard have to say for himself?"

Probably coming to check if he finished the job…