Page 87 of The Trouble With Bad Boys

Her brows drew together when she saw me. “Smith?”

Relief rushed through me as I dropped into the chair and clutched her hand in mine. “Sí, mi tesoro. I’m here, sweetheart.”

Lily blinked against the glare of sunlight filling the room, and I shifted slightly to block the light. She opened her eyes again, and this time they remained open for several seconds before closing again. “Everything hurts.”

Grasping her hand I lifted it to my lips and kissed her knuckles. “I know. I’m sorry.”

I glanced over my shoulder and Fox who nodded and disappeared to retrieve the doctor. “Do you remember anything?”

She grimaced as she shifted. “I remember... A man. He…”

Her voice was low and thready, tinged with exhaustion. “It’s all right. Everything is fine now.”

She shook her head. “You... He was…” Her eyes opened a slit. “Are you okay?”

I couldn’t help but smile at her concern. “I’m fine. You saved me.”

Her brows drew together like she didn’t fully comprehend, but that’s was fine. We didn’t need to rehash all the details right now. All that mattered was she was alive. And I was never leaving her side again.

Twenty-Six

LILY

A soft noise from my right drew my attention, and I cracked my eyes open. Everything hurt and exhaustion pulled at me, but I forced myself to focus.

A blonde woman stood next to the closet with her back to me. Who was she? A nurse? She didn’t look familiar, but I hadn’t gotten a good glimpse of her face yet.

On the nightstand a lamp glowed softly in front of the dark window. When I’d awoken earlier it had been daytime. How long had I been out this last time?

I watched as the woman quietly slipped clothes onto hangers, then hung them in the closet. “You don’t have to do that.”

My voice cracked, but the woman jumped and spun my way. Eyes wide, she slapped one hand over her heart. “I didn’t know you were awake.”

“I’m sorry.” My voice broke again, and I winced at the scratchy sensation.

“Do you need a drink?” She hurried forward and picked up a glass, then filled it with water from a pitcher.

She handed it my way, and I grasped it with a shaky hand. She kept one hand at the ready in case I dropped it, and I gratefully lifted it to my lips and sipped. The cool water slipped over my tongue, and I drained the glass before handing it back to her.

She took it with a smile and replaced it on the dresser. “Better?”

I nodded. She pulled the chair close to the bed and sat. “It’s nice to finally meet you. I’m Eva.”

My eyes flared wide. “But Rodrigo said…”

She smiled. “I know. Crazy, right? We were all so worried about him. I’m glad he’s okay. How are you feeling?”

I lifted one shoulder. “I’m not sure yet.”

“What do you remember?” she gently prodded.

The memories came back in pieces. I remembered shouting, loud blasts, and pain. So much pain. I pressed one hand to the wound in my abdomen.

“Dr. Tillburn should be back soon. I’m sure you’ll have questions for him.”

I nodded slowly as something else occurred to me. “My shop. How long have I been out?”

“Almost three days,” she replied. “And I hope it wasn’t presumptuous of me, but I found a temp to fill in until you’re able to go back.”

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