Page 217 of Indulge
Her fingers are still laced through his. Even in sleep, she’s terrified to lose him.
I don’t want to leave his side either, but he’s right. Bella needs a real bed, a shower, something other than adrenaline and hospital air.
“I’ve got her, Reg. You get some sleep and actually rest, please.”
He gives me a quiet chuckle, the sound strained but real.
“What makes you think I’ll listen to you?”
“I’ll jab a finger right in that bullet hole if you don’t.”
He smirks, shaking his head.
“Don’t you fuckin’ dare. Go on, look after our girl.”
His eyes flick down to the blood on my shirt, the dried smear near my shoulder.
“Finn looked at your graze?”
“Nah. It’s literally a surface wound. Basically a scratch. I’ll clean it up when I’m home.”
He grunts, that half-protective, half-boss tone that still sneaks out sometimes. “You better.”
I salute him with a crooked grin. “Yes, boss.”
I move over to Bella, careful not to wake her, but the second my arms slide under her, she stirs.
“R-Rowan,” she whispers, voice rough with sleep.
“We’re going home, baby,” I murmur, tucking her against my chest. “Reggie will be back with us in the morning, okay?”
She shakes her head, already fighting me in her half-dreaming state.
“Please don’t fight me on this, Bels. Reggie asked us to do this for him, okay?”
She sighs, the sound soft and broken, and looks up at me through those green eyes that undo me every damn time.
“Okay, rockstar.”
“Good girl.” I kiss the top of her head, smiling when she mumbles back, “I can walk.”
“I didn’t think it would wake you up,” I chuckle, setting her on her feet.
She smirks. “Don’t ever underestimate me.”
Of course not. Never again.
She steps to Reggie’s bedside, and the look he gives her—Christ. Like she’s the only thing keeping his heart beating.
“Get some rest, Irish. And if you’re not home by nine a.m., I will be demanding Rowan bring me back here. Understand me?”
He fights a grin. “Yes, Princess. Love of my life. I understand.”
“I love you, Reggie. More than you’ll ever know.” She leans down, pressing her lips softly to his.
“Behave, you two,” he mutters, smirking.
“We’ll try,” I tease.
