Page 38 of Vain

“Thanks. He should have passed out ages ago, but the stubborn mule refused to give in.”

“There’s a fear when waking up in the ICU that if you fall asleep, you might not wake back up again. He knows how bad things could have been, right? The fact that he was awake, alert, and able not just to have a full conversation but laugh and joke about it is amazing. But it does hammer home how much he could have lost.”

“And losing shit is something he’s all too familiar with.” Aiden sighs, sitting in the chair beside the bed and tugging me into his lap.

“Did your lovely ex give you the rundown on his injuries?”

“Wade removed her for being a colossal bitch, but he went and asked the questions. His badge gets him answers the rest of us can’t always get without being family.”

“Is he gonna be okay?”

“Yeah. The fact that he woke up—as you said—was able to remember who he is, that he talked in full sentences, and even joked are all positives. Barring complications from, say, infections or blood clots, they are optimistic that he’ll make a full recovery.”

“I’m glad.”

“Me too. Want to tell me about what’s going on with you and Zoe?”

“You know her?”

“No, but I remember her mom a little. She was older than me, so we never ran in the same circles. I probably saw Caroline more.”

“The grandma, right?”

“Yeah. I didn’t know her to talk to as such, but we always exchanged hellos in passing. Small towns are like that. You tend to know most people, but that doesn’t mean you know most people, if you catch my drift.”

“I get it. And Tempest isn’t the smallest town I’ve been to, so that makes a difference, I think.”

“True. Now, back to Zoe.”

I sigh, fiddling with the sleeve of my jacket. “I heard the nurses talking about what happened to her. She has no one, Aiden. She went from living in a family full of love and laughter to living in a children’s home. I asked her if anyone came to visit, and she said no. She said she has nobody left to visit her.” I swallow around the lump in my throat.

He presses a kiss to my temple, offering me comfort without words.

“She’s strong, Aiden, and brave. So much more so than I am.”

“I don’t know, baby. I happen to think you’re pretty fucking strong.”

I sigh, turning my head to look at him. “I wish I could see myself the way you see me.” I let my eyes drop to his mouth and watch him smile.

“Is it time to make out now?”

I grin and press my lips to his. He doesn’t waste a second, deepening his kiss as soon as I open myself up for him. I lose myself in him, just like I always do. It’s hard to believe I’ve known him for only a little while when it feels like I’ve known him forever.

The door slamming open makes me jump. I don’t spin around, though. I keep my gaze on Aiden as his jaw tightens, telling me who it is without words.

“Visiting hours are over. You should be ashamed of yourself. ICU is for sick patients, not fucking some whore.”

I don’t take offense at her lashing out, but Aiden goes rock solid beneath me.

“We’re leaving, but not before I make a formal complaint about your disgusting behavior.”

“Fuck you, Aiden.” She slams the door, making it rattle in its hinges.

“Jesus, what’s a guy gotta do to get some sleep around here?” Kellen groans, and I can’t help it. The whole situation is so fucking ridiculous I burst out laughing.

After eating in the hotel together, I reluctantly stand up and stretch.

“I’m so tired I could sleep for a week.”