Page 50 of Protecting his Heart

Owen shook his head and winced. “I really need to stop doing that.”

Dr Wallis chuckled. “That’ll fade soon enough, but you need to rest.” He glanced at Evan. “I assume you’ll keep an eye on him.”

“I sure will. Thanks, Dr Wallis.”

“I think you can call me Edward by now.”

Evan chuckled and refocused on Owen as Dr Wallis—Edward—left. He blew out a breath, his heart finally returning to the level it should be. “How are you really?”

Owen smiled. “I promise, I’m okay.” He reached his other hand to cover Evan’s, squeezing. “I’m here, baby.”

Evan dropped his head to their joined hands, his eyes letting go of the tears he’d wanted to shed for far too long. Owen removed his hand and raked his fingers through Evan’s hair until he pulled himself together. He lifted his head and grabbed a tissue from the bedside table.

“Sorry about that,” he said wetly.

“Never be sorry for showing emotion.”

Evan choked on a laugh and mopped up. “Can I get you anything?”

“Some water?”

He stood and filled a glass with water, handing it to him. He could see the tightening of Owen’s eyes whenever he moved, so he helped him as much as Owen would allow, knowing it would take a little time for the symptoms to ease. Most concussion symptoms disappeared after a couple of days, but others lasted weeks. It all depended on the situation and the patient. He hoped Owen was in the former group because he knew how much he hated being relegated to the sidelines.

“Shall I switch off the lights for a little while so you can rest until Dr Wallis comes back?” he asked.

The sigh that followed his words gave the answer before Owen said the word, and Evan flicked the switch by the headboard, plunging the room into darkness, save for a small light by the door. He reclaimed Owen’s hand but kept quiet so Owen could rest, and by his light breathing, it didn’t take him long to fall asleep. Thankfully, there was no longer a requirement to wake people who had a concussion, so Owen could sleep as long as he needed.

Evan pulled his phone from his pocket and dimmed the brightness as much as he could so it wouldn’t hurt Owen’s eyes if he woke. He sent a message to Brett, asking him to pass on Owen’s condition to Damon and Freddie because he realised he didn’t have either of their numbers or Locke’s. Brett replied, saying he would and asking Owen to listen to the doctor’s instructions and not to contact him for at least the length of the time the doctor said. Evan chuckled quietly. Brett knew Owen very well indeed.

He messaged Matteo, explaining what had happened and apologising for cancelling their dinner plans that day, and Matteo initially replied with the middle finger.

MATTEO: Of course I don’t mind, dick dweeb. Look after your boy. I might pop round tomorrow with something to keep him occupied while he’s off. He seems like the kind of person to hate being inactive. Take care of yourself, too. X

Evan smiled and shook his head. As much as Matteo pretended to be hard-headed and standoffish, he cared deeply for those he considered friends. He also contacted Dominic, who had sent several messages to him.

EVAN: He has a concussion, but he’s awake and alert, so it’s a win. We’re waiting on the results of the MRI, but the doctor is hopeful that it’s fine. He’ll be going home today, I’m sure.

DOMINIC: I’m glad to hear it. Can’t wait to find this fucker and give him a piece of my mind. There’s been enough shooting in this world lately. Let me know when you get home and if you need anything.

Trust Dominic to be by his phone and reply straight away. Evan agreed and scrolled to the news again. There still didn’t seem to be any more information except that the shooter seems to have been in one of the buildings opposite Windsor Castle.

Dr Wallis returned a couple of hours later. Evan gently woke Owen, but they kept the lights low.

“Everything looks fine on the MRI. I don’t have any concerns. Keep doing what you know he should and shouldn’t be doing, Evan, but he can head home now. I have a prescription for pain relief for him, too.” Owen signed the discharge papers.

“Thanks, Dr…Edward. I appreciate your help.”

Dr Wallis smiled and left, and Evan glanced at Owen. “Will you be okay with the lights, or would you like me to grab some sunglasses when I collect my stuff?”

Owen opened his mouth to undoubtedly say he was fine, but he paused. “Sunglasses, please.”

“Got it.” Evan stood and leaned over, pressing his lips to Owen’s. “I’ll be back in a few minutes. Don’t go anywhere.”

“I’m more than happy sleeping here for the moment,” Owen joked.

“The beds aren’t bad, are they?” Evan replied with a smile. “I won’t be long.”

He headed for the staff room, collecting his bags and coat and dropped by the nurses’ stations to update Marie and grab some sunglasses from lost and found—he’d return them later—before heading back to collect his man. He helped Owen into Evan’s coat, knowing the cold would be worse for him, and aided him as they walked towards the exit. He settled Owen by the door and fetched his car, helping him inside. The journey was short but quiet, Owen leaning his head against the window, reminiscent of his drunken birthday party.

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