Biting back a smirk, I got up and moved to stand beside Marko.
Eilidh’s cheeks flamed with embarrassment, but her eyes were filled with mirth as she took the pain medication the nurse gave her.
The second the old prude left, we all burst into laughter. Even Vlad sniggered before his face settled back into the poker face he usually wore.
Laughing made Eilidh wince in pain and I rushed back to her side.
“You need to rest, baby,” I told her as I adjusted her pillows behind her back to make her more comfortable.
The guys said goodbye to Eilidh and left the room. Marko was returning to the hotel to get back to work, but Vlad would remain here with us.
Eilidh had removed her wet clothing earlier and was now in one of those flattering hospital gowns, but I hadn’t bothered with that. There was no way I was flashing my arse off in one of those things, but I’d enjoyed the few glimpses I’d got of Eilidh’s. However, my clothes still stunk of smoke, so after the guys left, I popped into the little ensuite to change.
When I was done, Little Miss Red was just dropping off to sleep, and I had just settled into the chair beside her bed when the door burst open, and her corrupt partner, Martin Johnson, barged in.
We’d never met, of course, but I recognised him right away as I’d studied the photographs of all her colleagues to make sure I knew exactly who they were.
Eilidh roused as the fucker ignored me and sat in the chair on the opposite side of her bed. I barely held back my anger as I watched him to see what the fuck he was up to.
If he tried to hurt her, I would gladly murder the bastard. The only thing that stopped me from doing just that right now was that it was a hospital, so I gripped the sides of my chair and imagined it was his neck instead.
“Eilidh, sweetheart, I just heard from the uniforms that someone attacked you and torched your home. Are you alright?” he said, oozing false charm. He hugged her quickly, then moved away but kept hold of her hand.
My eyes narrowed, and I glared at him, daring to touch my woman. If he didn’t remove his hand from hers this instant, I was going to rip the fucking thing off.
“I’m fine, thanks,” she said, tugging her hand away.
“When they release you, come to stay with me until you get things sorted out,” he told her, sitting on the bed beside her and continuing to ignore my presence.
Who the hell did this arsehole think he was?
“I’ll take good care of you and keep you safe,” he murmured before reaching his hand towards her face.
That was it!
I’d had enough. I shot to my feet. The movement finally drawing his attention.
“She will stay with me,” I stated, keeping my tone controlled even though I wanted to strangle him. How dare the slimy creature put his hands on my woman?
This is a hospital, and he is still a police officer, I kept telling myself, trying to remain calm.
“Oh, and who are you?” the cocky bastard asked.
Eilidh was about to say something, but I jumped in before she could reply.
“Her boyfriend.”
Eilidh’s eyes flicked my way, and a look of shock crossed her face before she quickly hid it. Johnson didn’t notice as he was too busy looking me up and down, a look of contempt on his face.
“Her boyfriend?” he asked, sneering at me in disbelief.
“Yes, that’s right, he is,” Eilidh smiled up at me long enough to ensure that Johnson noticed before turning her head towards him.
“So, you see, I am perfectly well looked after and quite safe. Thank you for coming to see me, Martin, but you can go home now. I’m fine,” she told him before yawning widely.
“Yes, she is fine but tired and needs to rest, so as Eilidh said, you can leave now. Thanks for coming,” I said through clenched teeth as I stepped over to the door and opened it for him, making it clear it was time for him to go.
“Are you the one who sent the roses?” he asked.