Page 50

FORTY-NINE

DRAKE

The expression on Flash’s face is grim when he exits Imogen’s room and I prepare myself for a confrontation I am resigned to.

He leans against the door blocking the way in and frowns, causing my heart to sink.

“She’s okay.” He reassures me, and I heave a sigh of relief. “The doctors gave her an injection to reverse the one in her bloodstream, and they said there will be no ill effects.”

“Thank God.”

I didn’t expect my relief to be so enormous and I exhale deeply, his words overwhelming me.

“I owe you everything, Drake.”

I glance up and note the pained expression in his gaze. “You saved my baby girl, protected her and shielded her from harm, and I will never be able to repay you. I owe you Imogen’s life.”

I make to speak, but he holds up his hand and his eyes glitter, his voice gruff. “That doesn’t mean I give you her life. Give her to you with my blessing as a prize for your efforts.”

I say nothing because he’s obviously waging an internal struggle right now.

“Which leaves me with a huge problem.”

His decision hangs between us and I’m unsure which way it will fall, and he heaves a desperate sigh.

“But you’re a Reaper, Drake. One of my brothers. The finest there is. Why wouldn’t I want a man like that for the most precious thing in my world?”

Emotion doesn’t usually come easily to us and yet it’s so present I could touch it. He shifts off the doorjamb and heads my way, extending his hand and I’m not sure if he’s going to strangle me with it or thank me.

It appears to be the latter and as his fist closes around mine, he says with rare emotion, “Thanks, man. I will never forget this and if–” He groans and shakes his head. “I can’t believe I’m saying this, but if, well, you want to date my daughter, I won’t stand in the way of that.”

I make to speak, but again he holds up his hand.

“Save your words. I really can’t deal with them right now. I’m going to check on the other girl. You have a ten minute warning before I return.”

With a huge sigh, he walks away and rather than reflect on what he just said, I waste not a second of it and head straight into the room.

My heart jerks like a lovesick jock when I see Imogen’s soft smile directed firmly at me.

“Drake.” Her eyes swim with emotion and I cross the room in two steps and yet hesitate in touching her. She appears so fragile, and I can’t forget what an ordeal she’s been through. But she’s having none of my concern.

“I could use a hug right now.”

I don’t even hesitate and as my arms wrap around her fragile body, she clings to me and whispers, “Thank you for saving my life in every way possible.”

She pulls back as I swallow the lump in my throat and smiles before leaning closer and pressing her soft lips on mine. As my heart bleeds emotion, I kiss her back, softly, gently, as if she could break at any second.

We don’t require words at this moment. It’s as if telepathy is our new love language.

It’s an unspoken agreement between us that this is where we begin. The ashes of what’s past raining down on us as we start a new journey—together this time.

When Flash returns, I’m sitting in his place, holding Imogen’s hand as we share soft smiles and hushed whispers. We don’t pull away when he enters the room, and he groans out loud. “Fuck. This is freaking weird.”

Imogen shrugs. “It was always going to happen one day. You should be glad it’s not, well, Luca or Frankie.”

We share a grin as Flash nods vigorously. “Too right. Ryder definitely never saw that one coming.”

He perches on the edge of the hospital bed as Imogen says with concern. “Is the other girl okay?”

“Delilah.” I add and Flash nods.

“She’s okay. Shaken up, understandably. Confused, scared and emotional.”

“She has nobody.” I add, worried about her. “Her only crime was asking me to save her.”

Imogen sighs and turns to her father. “She could have a home at the compound until she figures things out.”

“Already done, darlin’. Bonnie is preparing her room as we speak.”

A huge weight lifts from me because Delilah is going to be okay. With our help, she will start again, somewhere safe. Somewhere that will be right for her.

“I’m glad.” Imogen squeezes my hand. “She put her life on the line and if you hadn’t been looking out for her, well?—”

“Don’t even go there.” I say sternly, and Flash nods his agreement.

“You can’t dwell on what might have been. It’s facts that count. Deal with things when they happen and not before.”

I nod, his words part of the Reaper mind-set. “We deal in facts, darlin’, not what ifs and maybes. The truth is, Delilah is fine, will make a full recovery and go on to live a happy life somewhere safe.”

“I know you’re right.”

The door opens and I swallow hard when Ryder marches in, only the weariness in his eyes betraying the emotion inside him. To outsiders he is calm personified, and he heads straight for Imogen and smiles gently. “It’s good to see you, darlin’. How are you feeling?”

“I’m good—thanks.” She smiles shyly at our overbearing president and he nods his approval.

“Cassie and your friends are tearing up the flooring out there. They’re worried about you.”

He groans. “My instructions were for them to go back to the house, but obviously she took that to mean via the hospital. I don’t know where she gets her stubborn streak from.”

Imogen giggles and Flash grins and I disguise my smile as Ryder’s eyes twinkle. He winks at Imogen and then turns to us. “I need a word. Let the kids have their moment.”

As I stand, Imogen grips hard on my fingers and her soft smile almost makes me disobey an order. It physically hurts to walk away from her, but hopefully this won’t take long.

“I’ll be right back, darlin’. I won’t leave you.”

She nods, her eyes burning with something akin to love. I beat the notion away because Imogen deserves better than to fill her heart with love for me because I wasn’t there when she needed me most and I will never forgive myself for that.