Page 136 of With this Ring

Even though they’d entered almost silently, his eyes fluttered open, dark and intense despite the medication. His gaze found her immediately, as if drawn by an invisible thread. “Petal?”

Relief flooded her, leaving her weak. “I’m here.”

“I need you next to me.”

The nurse maneuvered the chair so it was as close to the bed as possible. “Five minutes,” she warned.

Grateful for every second, Sasha nodded.

“Get over here, Petal.” His voice was rough, but the command in it was unmistakable—so Gregorio that joy lodged in her throat, making her shake.

Somehow, she managed to come a couple of inches closer to his bedside.

He reached out to cup her face, and she leaned into his touch, savoring the sensations.

For hours, she’d been so scared that they’d never again share anything like this.

“You look like hell,” he murmured.

A watery laugh escaped her. “Told you it had been an awful long time since I’d scaled walls. Even longer since I’ve been shot at.”

The same probably wasn’t true for him.

“Sasha—”

After locking the wheelchair for stability, she forced herself upright, and she held onto the bedrails for support.

His expression pained, stark, he threaded a hand into her hair, and he pulled her down to him.

“Gregorio!You can’t!”

“Quiet, Petal. We don’t need an audience.”

His kiss was desperate, claiming, his mouth hot and demanding against hers. She melted into him, careful of his injuries but unable to resist the magnetic pull between them.

His touch was achingly familiar—the same calloused fingers that had wiped away her tears years ago, that had pushed her to safety mere hours before.

Beneath her palm, his heart thudded, strong and steady.Alive. The reality of almost losing him crashed over her again, leaving her weak.

“You shouldn’t have taken that bullet.” She’d never forgive herself.

“Don’t you understand? I’d die for you, Sasha.”

Tears burned her eyes. “Gregorio—”

Cutting her off, he pulled her against him again. “I’d do it all over again.” Hand cupped against her neck, he claimed her mouth with searing passion, and the monitors shrieked in protest as his heart rate spiked.

“Mr. Conti!” The nurse’s voice was sharp with disapproval as she rushed into the room.

But his arms stayed locked around Sasha, holding her close despite the pain it must have caused him. Even now, he was trying to protect her, shelter her.

“You scared the hell out of me,” she whispered.

“Likewise.” His thumb brushed away a tear she hadn’t realized had fallen.

“No more playing hero without me.”

“That goes both ways.”

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