Page 92 of Her Guardian
I’m out for almost a day before I wake up again. I spend another one in the infirmary, having the wounds on my leg treated. Once the doctor is sure I don’t have to worry about an infection, I get cleared to leave, but my mobility is still rather limited.
“Looks like that wheelchair might necessary after all,” Sarah says with a grimace.
“No,” I grunt, taking a puff of my vape before I push myself up and grit my teeth to suppress my reaction to the pain. “I’m walking out of here.”
“Fine, but I’m driving,” Sarah says, grabbing my keys from the table.
“Probably for the best,” I admit, putting my hand on the wall for support.
I’ve gotten constant updates since I was able to get my bearings. The Morandi family is turning over every rock we can find to get information about Solitude and their connection to the Bratva. Massimo even brought Sarah and Lea’s friend Cadence in, to see if she could help, since she’s a lot more familiar with hackers than our guys are.
But there’s nothing. We didn’t get to see the wall, but a message was there, still visible in the wreckage of Bellamy’s house.
My work isn’t over yet. Too many sinners. This time, it’s three of a kind.
It wasn’t just one victim. The fuckers killed all three of Bellamy’s sons before we got there. But even if they hadn’t, the fire would have done it. Eddie Bellamy’s entire operation is gutted, and he’s dead. Massimo sent some of our guys to keep order until the territory is sorted out, but it’s more chaos in Las Vegas. The city is definitely on edge now.
“You still haven’t done a podcast?” I ask, glancing over at Sarah as I limp down the hallway, using the wall for support.
“I haven’t even left Salvalagio since you got hurt,” she says. “I told you. I don’t give a damn about my podcast right now.”
“Well, I do,” I rumble. “Because it’s important to you. Even if you don’t have the exclusive like last time, I’m sure there’s plenty we can share that will give you an edge over the other podcasters.”
“Maybe,” she says. “But I’m more concerned about getting you home and making sure you’re okay.”
“I’ll live,” I groan. “That’s good enough.”
We’re silent the rest of the way to the SUV. Mainly because I’m in too much pain to keep talking. I’m glad it isn’t a long trip to my condo. It’s hard to get into the SUV. The position isn’t comfortable, no matter how much I twist my frame. Every bump makes me groan. A bigger one nearly makes me yell, but I can see how worried Sarah is, so I suppress my reaction.
Once we make it to the Waldorf Astoria, Sarah gives as much assistance as she can, but I still have to drag my fucked-up leg part of the way. By the time we get to my condo, I’ve never been happier to see my couch. I pull myself toward it, a few louder groans slipping out.
“The doctor gave me some pills to help with your pain,” Sarah says, putting her purse down and opening it.
“Let me see,” I grunt as I painfully lower myself to the couch. Sarah shows me the bag and I nod. “Yeah, a couple of those and a glass of scotch. That’ll take the edge off.”
Sarah puts the pills in my hand and fixes a glass of scotch, which she brings over. I shouldn’t mix these pills with alcohol, but I’m sure it won’t kill me to do it once, so I toss them in my mouth and drown them with every drop in the glass. Sarah refills it and Igesture for her to put it on the table as I stretch out on the couch and find a position that is comfortable.
“If you think you’re going to fall asleep, you should move to the bed,” Sarah suggests.
“Nah, I’m good right here,” I say, shaking my head. “But there’s one thing that would make it better.”
“Anything,” she replies.
“Having the woman I love in my arms,” I say, motioning to her.
“I don’t know.” Sarah looks hesitant when she approaches. “I don’t want to hurt you.”
“As long as you don’t kick my leg, I’ll be fine,” I say, pulling her close to me on the couch.
Sarah still looks hesitant, but she finally relents and sinks into my arms. I’ve missed this. More than I’d ever admit to anyone except her.
“I wasn’t sure if you’d remember saying you loved me,” Sarah whispers once she’s nestled against my chest.
“I remember it,” I murmur. “I also remember you saying the same thing.”
“Because it’s true,” she admits. “If I didn’t know it before, getting that call from Lea certainly did it. When she said you were hurt… I’ve never been more scared.”
“Takes more than darts and grenades to get rid of me,” I rumble.
