Page 35 of The Oath Operation

But no one was watching them. Jules and Amari's relationship was clearly old news. There was much more interest in her and Fish. Amari would've blown everything if others had heard that little quip. Which is probably just what he'd wanted.

Amari's expression tightened when no one glanced their way. "Fish isn't capable of taking care of you the way you need. You know that. I can help you, Jules. We can still work things out."

How could he be so blind? "Amari, this isn't about you or your ego. This is about me and what I need. And what I need is to be with my husband. I don’t want to date you anymore. I'm a married woman, and I plan on staying that way."

Amari's eyes flashed with frustration. He reached for her again, but he was yanked back by his collar.

"Do not put your hands on my wife, or you'll become a patient here before your next breath."

Jules's heart leaped at the sight of Fish. A wave of relief and happiness washed over her. Then she noticed the hospital staff and patients staring at them. They'd glanced up now, all right.

Amari blustered, his face red with embarrassment and anger. "Iletyou marry Jules," he spat out, his voice trembling with indignation.

Fish’s lips curved into a sharklike grin. "That's right. Youletme marry her. And it was the smartest decision you ever made because, as brilliant as you are, you were stupid tolether go." Fish's grip tightened, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "You'd be even more foolish to think I'd everleta prize like Jules slip away once I got my hooks into her. Jules is a woman worth fighting for, and if you come near her again, I'll make sure you're laid up in this hospital."

With that, Fish snatched the discharge papers from Amari's hands. He turned to Jules, his expression softening as he scooped her into his arms. She considered telling him that she could walk, but the safety and warmth of his embrace were too comforting to resist. Letting her head dip back, she smiled up at him. She felt far more taken care of than she had in the last forty-eight hours.

The scent of antiseptic and the sterile atmosphere gave way to the fresh, crisp air outside as her husband carried her outside. Jules felt the strong, steady rhythm of Fish’s heart against her, the warmth of his body seeping into hers. Each step he took felt like a promise, a vow to protect and cherish her.

She nestled closer into his arms, her heart swelling with gratitude and joy. "I missed you."

"I'm sorry I wasn't here." Fish looked down at her, his eyes filled with a mix of sorrow and adoration. "I missed you too, Jules. More than you can imagine."

The tension in his muscles loosened as he carried her with ease. His scent, a mix of soap and the faint aroma of fresh paint, filled her senses. It was a grounding, comforting smell that made her feel at home.

"You know it wasn't your fault."

Fish raised a brow at her words.

"Not entirely. I should've told you more about my condition. But I liked that you didn't treat me like I was sick. I'll explain more about the do's and don'ts so that it won't happen again."

"It won't happen again. I'm going to make sure everything is perfect and easy for you from this moment on."

The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the parking lot. Jules heard the distant sounds of traffic and the chirping of birds, the world moving on around them. But in that moment, all that mattered was Fish and the love they shared.

"I love you, Fish."

Fish gently set her down, his hands lingering on her waist, the warmth of his touch seeping through her skin and settling deep in her chest. His movements were deliberate, as if he was savoring every second of being close to her. He bent his head slowly, his gaze locked on hers, silently asking for permission. Always asking for permission.

She gave it to him with a soft press of her lips against his. The kiss was tender at first, a gentle exploration. It quickly deepened as something ignited between them. His lips were warm, and the moment they touched hers, it was like a sugar rush—a sweet, dizzying sensation that flooded her senses. But unlike the sugar spikes she’d known all her life, this one didn’t come with a crash or a warning beep from her monitor. It was a rush that filled her with warmth and light. This kind of sweetness would never harm her.

As his lips moved against hers, Jules felt herself melting into him, her body responding to his in a way that was both exhilarating and comforting. His kiss was a perfect blend of passion and tenderness, of strength and gentleness, and it wrapped around her like a warm blanket on a winter's night, making her feel safe, cherished, and completely swept off her feet.

She leaned into her husband, her hands sliding up his chest to rest on his shoulders, feeling the solid muscle beneath her fingertips. There was a reassurance in his touch, a promise that he would always be there for her, no matter what. The kiss deepened, and she lost herself in the sensation, in the way he made her feel—like she was the only woman in the world, the only one who mattered.

When they finally pulled apart, her breath came in short, exhilarated gasps. She looked up at him, her heart racing, her lips tingling from the contact. With Fish, she was safe, and this kind of rush, this sweetness, was something she wanted to savor forever.

"Take me home."

"Not yet." His voice was a breathless growl that made her toes curl. "I have a surprise for you first. It's at the bakery."

He wanted to show her that it was finished. That was fine with her. She'd follow him anywhere—except up another mountain.

Fish opened the car door for her, helping her in before getting in himself. As they drove away from the hospital, the tension of the past few days completely faded. The road ahead seemed brighter, filled with possibilities and the promise of a future together.

As they drove toward the bakery, Jules felt a sense of peace and happiness that she hadn't felt in a long time. She knew there would be challenges ahead, but with Fish by her side, she felt ready to face anything. Together, they were unstoppable.

ChapterTwenty-Seven

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