CONAN

Song, Ordinary Love- Alex Warren.

I blink, trying to adjust to the bright lights.

Where the fuck?

I try to sit up and groan. No chance.

The blur starts to clear, and two figures are beside my bed.

“Finn?”

I’d recognize that flat cap anywhere.

“Conan. How you feeling?” he asks.

“Umm. Like I’ve jumped off a cliff onto a load of rocks, then got shot?”

He chuckles and steps closer.

“Not far from the truth. Car crash, then a shooting. Oh, and I may have broken some ribs doing the CPR.”

My mouth falls open.

“Where is Hallie?”

I vaguely remember the moment before I lost consciousness. She was holding me.

It was warm and safe. Like I was finally home.

The monitor beside me starts to beep. My heart rate picks up.

“She’s fine, Conan. Right outside that door.”

He gestures to the chair beside me.

“And that’s where she’s been sat pretty much the entire time.”

I let out a shaky breath in relief. She’s okay. Even if I’m in agony, it was worth it, because she’s alive.

“Can I see her?”

The doctor beside him flips through my notes. He keeps glancing over, probably wondering if I’ll pass out again.

“Yes. Then we’re going to get you out of here as soon as we can get the sign-off. You can recover at mine. I’ve got everything we need.”

I frown.

“I don’t wanna be hauled up in your little medical dungeon, thanks though. I’ll go home. I feel fine.” I lie. I just want to get out of here.

Finn arches a brow.

“Okay. I feel fine so long as I don’t move. And fuck, I need a glass of water, doc.”

He chuckles and hands me a cup.

“Always the diva, Conan.”

He sits beside ime as the older doctor clears his throat.

“Because it’s you, Dr. Quinn, I’ll write up the discharge papers.”

Finn nods, and the guy slips out. I pull back the covers and open the side of my gown, cringing at the freshly stitched scars along my abdomen.

“Did you do this?”

It doesn’t look as neat as Finn’s handiwork.

“No. Dr. Miller.”

“You let your arch-nemesis save me? Wow. I’m not sure if I should be concerned or impressed.”

Finn stands and straightens his jacket.

“I don’t have an arch-nemesis, she’s more of a work-place rival. But, you should be grateful.”

Hmm.

“I am, brother. Thank you.”

He squeezes my shoulder lightly.

“Good luck with Hallie.”

And then he leaves.

“Once I’ve recovered, please tell me we’re going after Arthur.”

He stops by the door.

“Their move was a declaration of war. Theo King and his brothers will be here soon. But for now, there are no more Bowens left in Pennsylvania. We just have to wait for the green light to go to London.”

“Good.”

Hallie isn’t safe until Arthur is dead. But for now, she’s here.

I just need to convince her to let me back in her life.

“You have bigger things to focus on now, Con. Just let me take this one.”

For once, I actually agree.

Because I can’t let myself get killed. Not now. I won’t leave Hallie behind.

“Okay.”

As he slips out the door, I hold my breath when Hallie walks in.

Her hair’s in a messy bun, glasses perched on her nose, but they don’t disguise the puffiness around her eyes.

Her bottom lip quivers as she closes the door.

“Hi, darlin’.”

“C-Conan.” Her voice breaks, and she rushes to the side of my bed.

I lift my arm and wrap it around her. I just want her close.

I need her near me. My lifeline.

Closing my eyes, I hold back the tears as she sobs against my chest.

“Are you okay, trouble?” I ask.

She sniffles and straightens up, glaring down at me.

“Conan. You’ve just been in a car crash, been shot, nearly died—and you’re asking me if I’m okay?”

Jesus. It’s all a blur.

“You saw everything, Hallie. I need to know you’re okay. That must’ve been terrifying.”

My throat burns when I swallow. Every time I cough, it feels like my lung might come out of my mouth.

“Having the love of your life lose consciousness in your arms was slightly traumatizing, I’m not going to lie. But it doesn’t matter. You’re here, and you’re going to be okay.”

Fuck, every muscle in my body is screaming. But I’m also kind of fuzzy from the painkillers.

“Love of your life?” I ask.

My stomach flips.

“Yes. You remember, don’t you?” She frowns.

I catch hold of her hand.

“Yes. I remember. And I still mean it, Hallie. I love you.”

I hold my breath. What if she only said it because she thought I was dying?

“I love you so much, Conan.”

“Thank God.”

“Come on. Let’s snuggle.” I scoot over, ignoring the pain so she can climb in next to me.

Her head rests on my chest, and I drape my arm over her shoulder.

“What happens next, trouble?”

“Umm. I think you’re getting discharged early on the premise that?—”

I chuckle.

“No. Not medically. I mean, what’s next for us?”

“Oh.”

She sits up, twirling her thumbs in her lap.

“Hallie?” I prompt.

“Close your eyes and hold out your hand, beastie.” Her tone leaves no room for argument.

I do as she says.

I hear her rifling through her pocket, and something smooth, almost like paper, settles in my palm.

“Okay. Open.”

I look at her before I look down. She’s nervous as hell.

When I glance at what she’s given me, I swear to fucking god my heart stops.

Five weeks, two days. A little grainy blob.

“Surprise.”

My eyes fill with tears. I just stare at the picture, speechless.

“Hallie. Fuck. I don’t know what to say.”

I’ve never felt happiness like this.

This gives my life a whole new meaning. A purpose.

And to think a few hours ago, I was nearly a dead man.

Someone out there must be looking out for me.

Maybe I’m not all that bad.