Page 30 of Reckless: Chaos

“I mean...” I scrunch my nose, considering. The pain hovers at the edges of my awareness, a threat contained behind pharmacy-grade firewalls. My shoulder throbs in time with my heartbeat, but it feels distant, like monitoring a system breach through layers of proxy servers. “Cozy.”

“No pain?”

The naked relief in his voice makes my chest ache in ways that have nothing to do with getting shot.

“Don’t do that again.” Jinx’s growl draws my attention to where he lurks in the corner. His usual uniform of jeans and hoodie is soaked through at the collar, fabric shredded by anxious teeth.

Oh. My beautiful disaster of a man has been stress-chewing his clothes.

That’s... that’s going to need addressing. When I can string together thoughts that don’t feel like they’re floating in syrup.

“I will do my best not to get shot at,” I pause for dramatic effect, “again.”

“You have a terrible track record.” Finn’s steady voice anchors me as I turn to find him meticulously setting up a chess board, each piece placed with deliberate care. The familiar ritual of it soothes something raw inside me.

“I’m an excellent shot, though.” My head lolls back against the pillows as I track Finn’s precise movements. “Get it? Because I got shot?”

Ryker makes a sound like I’ve personally offended his ancestors. “That’s not funny.”

“It’s a little funny.” I try for a shrug and immediately regret all my life choices as pain spikes through my shoulder. “Okay, ow. Note to self—no shrugging with bullet holes.”

Theo’s hands are instantly hovering over me, his face tight with concern. “Easy. The medication’s wearing off.”

“You’re all mother-henning me.” The words come out soft and wondering. “It’s kind of adorable.”

“We are not adorable.” Jinx’s protest would carry more weight if he hadn’t edged closer to my bed, his fingers twisting the ruined hem of his hoodie.

“You really are.” I beam at him, feeling loose and warm and oddly safe. “My big bad wolves, all worried about little old me.”

Finn coughs to hide what sounds suspiciously like a laugh. “I think perhaps we should let her rest.”

“No.” The word bursts out before I can catch it. Something vulnerable and needy unfurls in my chest, breaking through my usual defenses. “Stay? Please?”

They all freeze, exchanging looks I’m too tired to decode.

“We’re not going anywhere,” Ryker says finally, his voice gentler than I’ve ever heard it. “But you need space to heal.”

“And fewer people talking at once,” Finn adds, standing smoothly. “I’ll stay first watch. The rest of you can go make yourselves useful.”

“Useful how?” Theo asks, still reluctant to move from my side.

“I believe our patient could use some proper food once the medication settles.” Finn’s eyes twinkle. “Perhaps something sweet?”

“Cupcakes?” I perk up hopefully, then try to school my expression into something less pathetically eager. “I mean, if anyone’s offering.”

“I’ll make them,” Theo says immediately, then flushes. “If... if you’d like that.”

The shy offer makes my heart do complicated things in my chest. “You bake?”

“He stress bakes,” Jinx mutters, but there’s fondness underneath the gruffness. “And we’ve all been pretty fucking stressed.”

Aww they’re worried about me.

“I need kitchen space,” Jinx announces, already striding for the door with predatory focus. “Everyone out.”

“Wait,” Ryker’s command freezes him mid-step. “Ground rules.”

Jinx’s shoulders bunch under his hoodie. “They’re just shepherd’s pies.”

---