Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
She hands me my toothbrush and stands close as I brush my teeth, making sure I stay steady. “All good.” I give her a thumbs up. “Did you happen to grab any mascara?”
“Bex probably did.” She rummages through the bag and hands over a tube.
“Bex packed my bag?”
“Talon left your place in a rush, and we all wanted to come to the hospital. Chase called her to close up your house. She thought to pack the bag. The only reason she isn’t here now is because she went to get Wyatt. None of us wanted to leave.”
Bex went to get Wyatt? There are so many questions in this fact, but I don’t pry.
“Your nurse wants you to put this on.”
I cringe at the dingy hospital gown she’s holding.
“Yeah, I didn’t think so either. Bex brought you these.” She holds up a short pajama set. “Not sure this is appropriate, but it’s our only choice.”
“It’ll have to do.” I wait for her to leave but she just turns her back.
When I’m changed, she opens the door and Talon is in my space instantly. He carries me back to the bed, tucking me in.
“I’ll go find the men. Take care of her, Talon.”
“Always, Rosie.”
Her gaze turns thoughtful and she shoots him a soft grin.
“Rosie? You know my grandma’s nickname?”
“We had time to get to know each other.”
“How long was I asleep?”
“A while.” His eyes roam over me, his hand caressing my cheek. “How do you feel?”
“Better? Drained, but refreshed—if that makes sense.”
“Your throat?”
“Sore, but bearable.”
“Why don’t you take a break from talking?”
“Thank you,” I mouth.
“You do know the words.” His teasing doesn’t quite reach his eyes.
I edge over, motioning for him to sit. He leans on his side, his thumb running across the edge of my mouth. Slowly, he leans in and sweeps his lips over mine, careful of my cut.
“Time is up, Willow. I met with Abe today and he released me on your recommendation. What happened to you is a reminder that life is fragile and unpredictable. You can fight all you want, but I’m done waiting.”
It’s insane how his abrupt statement sends a swarm of flutters raving around my stomach. The intensity in his gaze travels through me, and I grip his wrist, locking our eyes.
“I’m scared.” The admission comes out in a wispy breath.
“Whoever and whatever happened in your past scarred you. One day, you’ll explain. Until then, know you never need to be scared. Trust me”
Any resistance remaining dies and I nod. “I do.”
A flash of relief crosses his expression right before his mouth curls up on one side. “About fucking time.”
“Don’t be conceited.”
His tongue traces along my lips, slipping inside as he slants my head. He takes his time exploring my mouth, our tongues curling and twisting in a rhythm that sends tingles over my skin.
Unlike the other times he’s kissed me, this is slow and sweet. There’s a tenderness that has little to do with my lip and everything to do with him showing my trust means something special to him.
Too soon, he breaks away, running his lips over mine once more. “Princess, we have company.”
I crack open my eyes and turn to find my family has returned with a man who I assume is my doctor.
Grandma’s beam is in direct contrast to Dad’s scowl.
I drop my chin, heat crawling up my neck.
The doctor clears his throat, leering at Talon. “Mr. Simms, I thought we agreed you could stay if you behaved yourself.”
“Not my fault she can’t resist me, Doc Hollins.” Talon addresses the man with comfort and familiarity.
“Do you think you can extricate yourself long enough for me to talk to my patient?”
Talon sweeps his mouth over my forehead and stands. “Come on over.”
“You the reason why her IV is unattached?”
“She needed to use the restroom.”
The doctor’s lips twitch as he shakes his head. “Some things never change. I’ll alert the staff you’re back again.”
”How many times have you been here?”
Talon ignores my question. “Hey, Hollins, Willow’s had a shitty day. Think you can take care of her and stop scaring her off before I even get my first date?”
“You haven’t even gone on a date with him?” Dad moans, his irritation clear.
“Dad, let it go.” Chase sticks up for me, then throws me completely under the bus. “Willow takes finesse and she’s been difficult.”
“I am not difficult!” My protest scores my throat.
Talon’s arm goes across my abdomen and he lowers his mouth to my ear. “Cool it, Princess.”
“Stop being bossy or this will be the shortest non-relationship in history.”
He has the audacity to chuckle before planting a quick kiss on my nose.
“Can you move out of the way for the doctor to examine my daughter?” Dad’s patience is gone.
“Shut it, Sterling,” Grandma scolds him with sunshine and rainbows beaming from her expression.
Oh boy… Let’s pray that Talon doesn’t break my heart.