Page 76 of Chief's Addiction

“I’m so fucking sorry, baby,” I whispered, bringing her hand to my lips. “I should have protected you better. Should have never let this happen.”

The rage I’d been riding since finding her bloody and battered at the gas station hadn’t diminished, but it had been joined by something else. Something that felt dangerously close to love.

No, not close. It was love.

I loved this woman who’d walked back into my life and turned it upside down. I loved the kid sleeping in the next room, with his too-long limbs and earnest eyes. Somehow, without me noticing, they’d become my family.

And I had almost lost them both today.

Cora stirred slightly in her sleep, a small furrow appearing between her brows. I leaned forward, pressing my lips to her forehead.

“I’ve got you now, baby,” I whispered against her skin. “No one’s ever going to hurt you again. I promise.”

As I sat back in my chair with her hand held in mine, I felt my phone vibrate in my pocket.

Killer: The asset is secure

Some of the tension in my shoulders loosened.

Spike was locked down in the Box.

His time was almost up.

Chapter 18

Cora

Pain.

That was the first thing I registered as consciousness crept back in.

Not the dull, manageable kind either. What I felt was the sharp, throbbing variety that made me wish you could slide right back into oblivion.

My entire body felt like I’d been hit by a truck. Twice.

I sucked in a slow breath, being extra careful as I tried to wiggle my fingers and toes.

Everything seemed to be working, so at least there was that.

Keeping my eyes closed for a moment longer, I took stock of my situation.

I knew I wasn’t in a hospital considering the butter soft sheets I was lying on. However, the smell of antiseptic was strong in the room and there was the unmistakable feeling of an IV in my hand.

Slowly, peeling my eyes open, I immediately regretted it when the bright light above me stabbed through my retinas.

I blinked several times, forcing my vision to adjust while I tried to make sense of where the heck I was. It wasn’t a hospital room; the wood-paneled walls told me that much.

Rolling my head to the side, I saw a woman sitting in a chair beside my bed. She was beautiful in that effortless way that made me kind of hate her. Her long blonde hair was pulled into a messy bun, her skin was flawless, and she had gorgeous, piercing blue eyes.

Sensing eyes on her, she lifted her head and practically leapt out of her chair.

“You’re awake!” she blurted, hurrying over to the bed. “Hi. I’m Mac. Rage’s wife. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

I tried to respond, but all that came out was a scratchy croak. My tongue felt three sizes too big for my mouth.

“Oh! You need water. Hang on.” Mac grabbed a plastic cup with a straw from the bedside table and carefully helped me take a sip.

The cool liquid hitting my parched throat was so good I nearly moaned. After a few sips, I managed to find my voice.

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