Page 19 of Protecting his Heart

“Yes. Andrew, Kean and Kendal—it’s so much easier saying their names when I’m not in their presence—have an event at the local hospital.”

Evan perked up. “Oh, I remember that. They had requested a visit to A&E, but we said it wasn’t a good idea. They’ll probably end up getting their own way, though.”

Dominic laughed. “I don’t doubt it, but I’ll see if I can dissuade them. If I tell them what happened to you, they might give it a miss.” He glanced at Owen. “Freddie’s out and about, too, isn’t he?”

Owen nodded, sipping his drink. He’d switched to water after his one and only beer as he was driving home. “We’re heading into London. Locke is back after her Christmas holiday, so the team is back!”

Evan shook his head, resting his chin in his hand, his elbow on the table. “I don’t know how Prince Freddie puts up with you two.”

Owen leaned closer, resting his head on Evan’s shoulder and peering up at him. “Because we’re the best in the business, babe.” His straight face lasted all of two seconds before he burst out laughing, ruining his words.

“For that, I’m telling Brett. You know what’ll happen,” Dominic said.

Owen’s face dropped. “No! You’re not telling him a thing! What happened to the best friend code?”

“Your ego needs a raincheck,” Dominic said, his mouth twitching. “I’m sure Brett will love whooping your ass in the ring.”

“Fuck, man.” Owen sighed and slumped back. “I suppose I need the extra training as my wingman isn’t up for it yet.” He winked at Evan, and Evan’s chest warmed, even as his eyes grew heavy. “Well, now that you’ve upset me, I’m going and taking this man with me.” Owen stood.

Evan cleared his throat, trying to keep his eyes open. He was so tired suddenly. “Do you want some help to clear up?”

Randall waved him away. “You get some rest. I remember what it was like after such a high-adrenaline event. Sleep is your best friend for the next few days. We can manage just fine.”

Owen raked his fingers through Evan’s hair, and his eyelids fluttered. “Come on. Let’s get you home.” Owen grabbed his hands and pulled him to his feet. Evan rubbed a hand over his face, trying to wipe away the tiredness.

“Thank you for dinner,” he said. At least he hoped he did. It sounded vaguely muffled.

Owen said something to Dominic and Randall, but Evan was concentrating too hard on walking. They made it to the car, and Owen clicked Evan’s seatbelt in place. Seconds later, Owen woke him because they’d reached home.

“Our home,” he murmured.

“Yes, sweetheart. Our home,” Owen agreed, taking most of Evan’s weight as they shuffled to the door and onwards to the bedroom.Owen’sbedroom, Evan was awake enough to realise. He sat on the bed, barely keeping himself upright as Owen removed his shoes, socks and jeans, and then he gently pushed Evan to lie down, covering him. “I’ll be right back, sweetheart. Sleep. I’m here.”

“Want…” Evan started, but sleep pulled him under.

****

Overly heated and thirsty, Evan woke slowly, trying to wet his cotton mouth. He shoved at the covers that were level with his forehead, hissing when his arm screamed at him. Resting it back on the bed, he rolled to his back and inhaled the cooler air now he wasn’t submerged in a duvet. He glanced to the side, but the bed was empty, and when he squinted at the clock on the bedsidetable, he knew why. When was the last time he’d slept until ten in the morning when he hadn’t been working nights or lates?

He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and swung his legs over the edge of the bed. His gaze snagged on a glass of water, tablets and a note. He started with the water and tablets, swallowing them whole and then read the note.

I didn’t want to wake you. You need rest. Hydrate, medicate and veg out in front of the TV. I’ll be home for six o’clock if all goes well. I’ll bring dinner. And yes, it’ll be pizza. Don’t do too much. Think of this as a holiday. Oh, and if you’re up before eleven, the coffee should still be warm enough for the first cup of the day. X

Owen knew him too well. If he had his way, he would find something to keep him occupied, which would undoubtedly mean he wouldn’t rest, but when Owen made a point of it… Evan sighed. Could he sit and do nothing? Time would tell.

He rose gingerly, not wanting to move too fast after sleeping so long, visited the toilet and headed for the kitchen. The coffee was indeed lukewarm, but it would tide him over while he made another pot. Which he did while he waited for his toast. Both were ready about the same time, so he picked them up and settled on the sofa with the remote. The first thing he did was check the news reports—nothing interesting. Then he checked social media—same. He double-checked his messages and emails to make sure he hadn’t forgotten to reply and then cursed and fumbled to call Matteo.

“Well, if it isn’t Mr I’m-too-busy-to-call-my-friend,” Matteo said as a greeting.

“I have a valid excuse,” Evan promised.

“Which is?”

“I got sent home from work yesterday because of an incident and then I fell asleep early.” It was half true. He’d tell Matteo that he spent the evening with his other friends, eventually.

“What happened? I’ve not heard about anything.”

For probably the fourth or fifth time, he went through the events of the previous day, and Matteo cursed. “I’m coming over.”

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