Page 20 of Rekindling Desire

“That’s not completely true,” she said with a grin. “I’m not a delicate flower in danger of wilting.”

“You’re not. I still like taking care of you.” My smile returned. “Dressing you.” I teased the sheet from her breasts. “Undressing you.”

“I like that too. I also like taking care of you. I know you want the world to see you as invincible. Remember, I know you. I can love you for your obstinate alpha ways and also for a man who is better with me by his side.”

Her words faded as the screen of my phone came to life. “It’s after one.”

Sunday afternoon.

This had to be the longest day in the history of days.

Ella’s eyes opened wide. “Shit. Is there any news from the hospital?” She turned toward our luggage. “What time is checkout?”

“We didn’t indicate we were leaving today,” I mumbled as I took in the number of missed calls and text messages. Instead of reading, I hit the icon next to my mother’s name. As her phone rang in my ear, I met Ella’s worried gaze. The room around us stilled; only the hum of the air conditioner was present. Finally, Mom answered.

“Damien, where are you?”

My free hand ran over my mussed hair. “Fuck, Mom. Asleep. I haven’t slept like that in…” I looked over again at Ella. “…in a long time. How is Dad? How are you? Is the security team there?”

“Your dad is still sleeping. His blood pressure started to go up. The nurses said it was probably from pain, so they increased his pain medication.” She took a ragged breath. “I’m looking at the monitors now. His numbers are better.”

I let out a sigh of relief. “That’s good to hear. What about the security?”

“They’re here. A man named Conner introduced himself to me. He promised to keep Darius and Amber away.” She sighed. “Oh, your father would be furious, but I won’t put up with the tension. There’s too much.”

“If Dad is upset, he can be upset with me. I don’t give a shit.” I scoffed. “Fuck, let him be mad. That means he’s doing better.”

“I love you.”

My voice softened. “Love you too, Mom.”

“How is Ella?”

My cheeks rose. “She’s perfect.” She was no longer standing in the doorway. I could hear sounds coming from the other room.

“Tell her thank you.”

“Thank you?”

Mom’s voice sounded lighter. “If you slept that well, I bet she had something to do with it.”

“She did. We’ll be to the hospital as soon as we can.”

“Damien, you should go back to Indy. Your dad is as steady as he can be. Dani is waiting for your call. We met with Stephen this morning. Danielle has voting proxy for Derek and me. Gloria has called a board meeting for nine o’clock tomorrow morning.”

“Fuck,” I growled, my grip of the phone tightening.

“You take care of Sinclair. I know you can.”

My head was buzzing as I clenched my teeth. “I will.”

“Keep me informed.”

“Will do. Bye.”

Ella was back to the doorway to the living area, her arms crossed over her breasts and the white sheet still her only clothing. “Your dad?”

“Same. Mom said they upped his pain meds.”

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