Page 90 of The Gilded Cuff
“What happened?” she demanded.
“I got shot in the shoulder. It was a through and through, but my arm’s out of commission for a while.”
Sophie blew out a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. “What did the doctor say? How long will we be here?”
“At least a day for me. You have to stay a week, unless I can talk the doctors into letting me hire private care for you at home. The bullet passed through your stomach close to your side. They were able to repair the damage. The doctor said you were lucky you didn’t bleed out and the knife wound was shallow, and mostly in muscle, which will heal easily. Hans and I rushed you to the emergency room in time and they were able to get you into surgery straightaway. It was a tough day yesterday; we thought you might not make it, but you did. I called your parents. Cody tracked them down. They’re on their way to see us.”
She warmed instantly at the way he saidus. Her parents were coming here…Rather than dread their arrival, she was relieved. She missed them like crazy. After everything that had happened, she had so much she wanted to tell them.
“Now I know how you felt when you met my parents.” He laughed softly.
“Oh?” She couldn’t contain her smile. “Terrifying, isn’t it?” The urge to tease him was impossible to resist.
“Yes, well, you had an easier time. As long as you don’t tell your father that I seduced you, tied you to my bed and made love to you, then treated you like my personal sex slave, I’ll probably make it through the meeting alive. Explaining dominant behavior isn’t exactly easy. I’ll be lucky if he doesn’t kill me.”
“I won’t tell him. He’ll only want to know that you love me. That’s all he cares about. Besides, I love it when you get all dominant on me.” She noticed her wrists were bare of the cuffs and she felt naked without them. “Where are my cuffs?” They’d come to mean so much in the last few days, a sign of her and Emery’s commitment to each other.
“They’re somewhere safe for when you’re well enough to wear them.” Emery frowned as he stared at the IV needle taped into the back of her hand. “But you needn’t worry about wearing them anymore.” She put her hand on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart kick up at his words. Was he done with her? After everything they’d been through, she couldn’t believe it, not when he seemed so sweet and tender now. But what else could he mean?
“Well…actually I thought I’d get a ring, just to make sure you understand my intentions.”
“Which are?” She raised her eyes to his, and her breath caught in her throat as she saw the depth of his heart in his eyes.
“To keep you. Forever.”
His declaration demanded she face the guilt she’d been carrying. “Emery…I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you about Fenn. I was going to, as soon as Wes said he’d found him and they were in a safe location.”
His hand moved down from her cheek to cup the back of her neck. His fingers massaged her gently and she relaxed.
“I know. Hans explained what happened. You did the right thing. It’s not your fault. I was an inconsiderate asshole.”
“You were an asshole, definitely. But I have to admit, the sex was amazing.” She blushed remembering the barely leashed ferocity of their coupling in the study on the desk. Even as weak and bruised as she was, that memory made her burn.
“Jesus, Sophie, I’m trying to be all gentle and caring and you’re making me as hard as a rock. I feel guilty as hell about it. How can you even think about sex after what you’ve just gone through? A woman who’s been shot and stabbed needs rest and relaxation.” He laughed darkly and rested his forehead against hers as they shared her pillow.
“Sorry, guess it comes with the territory. I can’t ever see myself not wanting you.” She shut her eyes a moment, savoring the brief rest it brought before she spoke again. “Are you going to Colorado now?” Half of her wanted him to say no, but the other half knew he had to leave and bring Fenn home.
“No.”
“No? Why not? Your brother is alive and we have to find him.” She tried to sit up but he gently pushed her back down.
“We will. After you rest and heal. I’m not going anywhere without you. Fenn can wait until you’re well enough to travel.”
He was waiting for her. The knowledge of this made her feel all warm inside.
“If you’re sure you want to wait…”
“Sophie, haven’t you figured it out by now? I’d wait forever for you. You’re mine and I’m yours. That’s how it works when you love someone.”
Her heart stopped, literally. The machines next to her bed chirped in alarm.
“You love me?” Her words were a hoarse whisper.
“More than anything.” His eyes twinkled. “You better love me, too, or we’ll revisit that particular punishment you like so well.”
The flood of heat took her body by storm, momentarily erasing her pain. She rolled onto her side and scooted closer to him, ignoring the twinges of pain so she could tuck her head under his chin. When all the world seemed to have gone to hell and back, she took comfort in his embrace and the way it made her feel safe, secure, whole.
“Everything is going to be fine. We’re together and I’m never letting you escape again.” His words were a delicious burn, a promise, a vow, searing into her heart. She inhaled his scent, loving the dark masculine hint of musk and the fresh clean zing of his cologne. He’d showered and changed clothes.
