Page 86 of Justified Fear

“She’s fine,” the nurse said.“She’s resting, and that’s what is most important.I’m sorry your dog couldn’t come back.”

“She’s my partner.And Keely saved her life.”

“Oh, well, as soon as she gets into a regular room, you can let her see Ms.Templeton.Do you need anything?”

“No.I have everything I need right here,” he said, as he took a seat and slipped his hand into hers.

Keely wokeup to beeping noises.Not irritating noises, but just repetitive.She blinked her eyes open and looked around.It was white everywhere, but soft, as if the lights had been turned down.

She tried to move her hand, but something had hold of it.Turning her head, she found Ryan holding her hand.

“Keely,” he said, his voice hoarse.

The events of the day came rushing back to her, as the machines beeped around her.

“Everything is okay.You’re safe, baby.”

“Is Maya okay?”

He smiled.“Yes.Didn’t even get a scratch on her.She was none too happy that she wasn’t allowed back to ICU, but they told me she can come see you once you’re in your room.”

The door opened and a nurse came striding in.“You’re awake.Good.That means you can head to your room soon.The hospital is getting irritated with the massive amount of people waiting to check on you.”

“People?”

“Task Force Hawaii and Dillon Security are here,” Ryan said.

“Not that I’m complaining.There is a Brit with that Dillon group, and his accent is to die for.Anyway, I’ll let Dr.Bradford know you are awake.”

Then she headed out, leaving them alone.

“You have another concussion.”

“Is that why everything is fuzzy?”

“Well, you lost a bit of blood, so I bet that is the main reason.Do you remember anything?”

“Ray.He was the security guard from the kidnapping incident.”

He nodded.“He actually worked for the kidnappers, but he kind of fell for you.”

“What?Weird.”

He chuckled.“I understand the feeling.”

“Oh, so you would obsess about me for a decade and a half, kill a bunch of people, and try to abduct me?”

“No.But I do understand falling for you.”He raised their joined hands, so he could kiss her fingers.“Do you remember what you said to me before you passed out?”

She started to shake her head, but pain speared through her brain.“Oh,damn, that hurt.”

He cocked his head.“You said you might be falling in love with me.”

Oh, shit, she had.“I have a concussion.”

“So you don’t love me?”

“It’s not that.”