“Is that…bad?” She furrowed her brow, worrying her lip between her teeth. “Or—”

Crashing my lips against her, I kissed the everloving fuck out of her. I needed her to feel everything that was swelling behind my ribs, in my veins, in my cells, with everything she had.

My tongue slid into her mouth, claiming her and giving myself to her in equal turns. I held her face, my fingers aching from the restrained tension I had to use to keep myself from fucking devouring her. Where she sat above me, my cock twitched, and I knew that despite the doctor’s orders, it wouldn’t be long before I just had to fuck Billie—to make love to her.

I sat back only slightly, and Billie looked up into my eyes.

“So, not bad?”

Shaking my head, I smirked, stroking my thumb down her cheek. “No. Obviously. I’m not a ‘loving’ guy, Billie. But with everything I have available, with the bit of blackened soft left in here, I love you.”

The tears spilled over at last, and Billie launched herself deeper into my arms as she kissed me. She managed to knock into my shoulder, of course, and I grunted quietly as the pain kicked up again.

“Oh no,” She frowned and smiled simultaneously, “that’s not…Fuck, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay, love. What’s a little pain, right?” I cocked a brow, teasing, and Billie’s cheeks turned a delightful pink.

“So, I’m staying then. But,” Billie regarded me, suddenly serious, “I don’t want to give up practicing law.”

I nodded, narrowing my eyes at her. “Okay. How’s that going to work?”

“Kids. I’ll specialize in children who need assistance and putting away shitty parents. I think we can all get behind that.”

“You really did have some time to think about this, didn’t you?”

She laughed. “I did. And I’ll help you and your family with what I know of the law. Parker and I talked quite a bit while you were out, and…well, I know she’s going to be a friend. She’s another woman who’s been swept up by all this, and it worked out great for her, too.”

“Parker is something else, that’s for sure.” I nodded, still holding Billie’s cheek. “She’s been an incredible help for the family, and I like her. Kicked my cousin’s ass, which is just too much fun to watch.”

“He’s terrifying, by the way. I do not know how she does it.”

Another laugh hit me hard, and I had to stop myself when the pain in my shoulder demanded it.

“Yeah, I wouldn’t exactly describe Lev as a cuddly kitten or anything. But you’ll get used to him.”

There was a pause where we just held each other’s stares, meeting each other there in that tiny universe we created together. I thought back to the locker room and the well of emotions that had overflowed during our encounter. Billie was it for me. And she was right. There was a way to make this all work.

“You know, I’m not going to lie and say this isn’t a fucking shock for me. But,” I smiled, touching my forehead to hers, “it’s also like the best fucking thing that’s happened to me, and I’m not about to let it get away. I’ll support you however you want to make the job shit work. You…you’re a fucking badass for what you did back there. You saved my life.”

She scoffed, kissing my cheek before eyeing me. “After you saved mine.”

“Well, then, we know for certain we have each other’s backs, don’t we?”

Billie nodded with a giggle, lying against my chest as I let us recline against the adjustable bed—another item I had procured from the local hospital supply.

“We do. I would still like to learn more about all this, about the family. Is that something you’re willing to teach me, or am I going to have to go on another recon mission?”

I burst out laughing at that one, hissing as the pain protested. “Okay, stop making me laugh. It sucks. And yes, I’ll tell you all the gritty details, but do you think we could do that after?”

She turned and furrowed her brows at me. “After what?”

“After I pass out again with you right here.” I grinned, closing my eyes. “And then after, I wake up and fuck you. After that.”

Billie giggled. “Okay, babe. Whatever you say.”

Epilogue - Billie

“All right, I’m heading home. I’ll see you guys on Monday.” I turned and waved to the small crew of lawyers I’d come to love working with and slung my bag over my shoulder.