Page 78 of The Hunted

32

Raven

In the week since Knox was shot, I think I’ve died a thousand deaths.

When we moved him to the hospital, his blood pressure dropped, taking my heart along with it.

The emergency surgery saved his life, but I lived in constant fear the assumed name we were using for him wouldn’t work and the police would arrive any moment.

But Ace says he has it handled, that they have too many people in their pockets for anything to come out about the massive gun battle and Knox’s gunshot wound. I suppose they do, based on their high-profile clients at the manor. Plus, we’ve yet to see a police officer.

I look at Knox as he rests peacefully. His too large form almost dwarfs the bed. His doctors told us had it not been for the swift care Snake had given him, he most likely would have died. I will never be able to thank that man enough for saving his life.

Now, I wait for him to wake up.

Come on, Knox. Come back to me.

I’m told it should be any time. They’ve had to keep him heavily sedated to manage his pain and give his body the chance to mend.

I’ve talked to him endlessly about my past, his past and our future. I want that, our future. I’ve cried, I’ve begged and pleaded with God so much for Knox’s life since that moment I realized it was him lying on the floor, shot.

Ace came by to check on him earlier and to meet with the doctors. He stops by when he can. He’s been ensuring the cleanup at the estate is handled properly. Some of the members of Iron Mayhem are helping out with the task. I don’t even ask. I know that’s his polite way of telling me they are getting rid of the bodies.

Despite my best protests, Ace finally made me leave to go rest a little earlier today, but that only lasted a couple of hours. I sat in the cafeteria, but my thoughts were with Knox the entire time. I just can’t miss him waking up. I want to be here. I have to be here, for him.

I nestle into the window seat and enjoy the warmth from the sun while I try to read. My thoughts turn to Scarlett, though. In the aftermath of what happened, she left with Lucian, Lazz’s brother. She called me to tell me that she needed some time to try to put herself back together and that she’s as good as she can be under the circumstances.

Lucian promised to watch after her, and I can come visit or call her anytime. He swears he’s watching out for her and keeping her safe and comfortable. She’s in a guesthouse within their walls, and he keeps two guards stationed on it twenty-four hours a day. He updates Ace regularly, and Ace updates me, for now.

Ace is less than happy about this development and drives over there daily to check on her himself. He says it’s for my peace of mind, but I’m pretty sure it’s more for his.

Scarlett did call our parents, and after hours on the phone, they finally settled down enough to understand her need for distance at this time.

Scarlett and I decided it was best not to tell them what happened at Hale Manor. They think I’ve been working out of the country, anyway, thanks to the cover story provided by the manor when I first arrived there. Scarlett told them she spoke with me and that I am getting on a plane and flying back home as soon as I can.

Once Knox wakes up, I’ll go and visit her.

The thought of her alone with strangers is unsettling, but if it’s safety she’s seeking, there may be no better place. The club is fenced, guarded, and the men are armed to the teeth. I keep telling myself this. Maybe right now she needs to feel like she is in a fortress, where nothing bad can reach her.

I can understand that after what she’s been through. I’d like to be somewhere similar, but I don’t really care where I end up, as long as I’m with Knox.

Lazz went back with Lucian and swore to me he’d keep an eye on her and wouldn’t let anything happen to her. He said he’d kill anyone who looked at her wrong. I believe him. Lazz keeps his word, if nothing else. He’s come back a couple of times to check on Knox and me. I appreciate that. Knox will too when he wakes up.

Lazz has also been doing recon on the rest of the leaders of Albatross, and when Knox is back to himself, they can come up with a plan to bring them all down.

Everything has been such a whirlwind. It’s hard to believe any of it actually happened.

I’m lost in my thoughts and barely hear the light groans coming from Knox. I rush to his side and press the call button on the bed to get the staff to come in. His brow furrows, and he shakes his head slightly.

Please wake up, please.

I sweep the hair from his forehead as I lean in and press a soft kiss to his cheek.

“You’re okay, Knox. I’m here. It’s time to come back to me.”

His eyes squeeze closed tighter, and his mouth sets into a grimace. Then his lids flutter. Slowly, squinting against the light, his beautiful amber eyes open and meet mine.

“Hi, baby. I’m so happy to see you awake.”

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