Page 74 of Only You

“Tell me you kicked that man’s ass.”

Yep, his mother could be bloodthirsty when one of her family had been threatened.

“He did,” Zac said as he stepped up beside him. “I heard from some of the cops that Eileen had to pull him off the bastard.”

Her gaze moved from Declan to Eileen’s brother. “You’re one of the twins.”

“Zac, and this is my brother Zane. And, of course, our parents, John and Rhonda O’Reilly.”

Introductions were made, but as everyone was talking, Rhonda took him aside. “Go on. My girl will feel better if she gets to see you.”

“Thanks,” he said, not needing to be told twice. He slipped into her room. She had a private room. All the lights were set to dim, and she appeared to be dozing, which he knew went against the concussion protocol.

He stepped closer and studied her, his anger rolling over him again. He knew she could handle herself, but the fact that she now had bruises on her neck made him want to punch Bryan Comstock again.

“Stop gritting your teeth,” she said without opening her eyes.

“You’re awake,” he said, then rolled his eyes. She had just spoken, so of course, she was awake.

“Kind of hard not to be awake with all that commotion. What’s going on?”

“My family showed up.”

Her mouth curved, and her eyelids flickered before opening. “They are rowdy, but then so are the O’Reillys.”

He walked forward, then sat on the bed beside her.

“Thank you.” Her voice was still hoarse.

“For what?”

“You saved me.”

“If you had been in a safe house, he might not have gotten to you.”

She shook her head. “One way or another, it would come to a head. I’m just glad you were there.”

He took her hand in his. Tonight, she looked even more delicate. “Me too.”

“They don’t want me sleeping long.”

“How long?”

“They want me to wake up every half hour, which I find excessive.”

He couldn’t stop the chuckle that bubbled up. This woman, she was it for him. She’d almost been choked to death and had a concussion, and she was fussing.

“Tell you what, love.” Her eyes softened. “You sleep, and I’ll ensure you wake up like they want you to.”

“Thank you,” she whispered. “I was afraid.”

“He wouldn’t have been able to kill you.”

“No. I was worried he would hurt you. He kept talking about killing you. I can’t lose you, Declan. I refuse.”

“I like that attitude.” He leaned forward and brushed his mouth over her forehead. “Now sleep.”

She sighed and settled further into her bed. Within moments, her breathing evened out. Declan pulled out his phone and setthe timer for thirty minutes, then he sat in the chair beside her bed, her hand in his.

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