Page 24 of Handcuffed By the Bounty Hunters

But as I feel better and better, they stop coming.

Jaxon comes to visit with his and Ryder’s wife, Olivia. Jaxon and Olivia share that thanks to Penny’s information, law enforcement and the general public are learning just how corrupt Clive Oberon was all along. Hunter’s Guild had no idea, so Ironwood might try taking another bounty hunting job from them in the future. Jaxon and Ryder plan on being much more selective, however.

We make small talk about the newer recruits for Ironwood.

“We have some promising men and women joining up,” Jaxon says.

Olivia’s gray eyes sparkle as she says, “You and Cameron won’t be the newbies any longer.”

I want to ask if either of them has seen Cameron lately, or Penny, but I don’t want to make the conversation awkward.

Clearing his throat, Jaxon says, “We could find you another bodyguard to pair up with on training and fitness, maybe even on some jobs.”

“What?” I say sharply. “Why?”

“Well, it’s no secret that Cameron gets on your nerves?—”

“That was before,” I say.

“Before…” Jaxon prompts.

“Before he saved my life. Before we worked so well together to take down Oberon and his mercenaries.”

“I see.” Jaxon keeps his face straight, but Olivia grins.

I guess the conversation is already a little awkward, so I go ahead and ask the question. “Have you seen Cameron lately?”

“No,” Jaxon says, surprised. “Hasn’t he been here?”

“It’s been a couple of days, so I’m sure I’ll see him soon.”

Olivia nudges Jaxon in the ribs, and he says, “Oh, right. So we know you’ll need a little care at home once they set you free of this place. You’re welcome to stay with Ryder, Olivia, and me. Between the three of us, someone can always be nearby.”

I don’t want to take them up on their offer, but I might not have much of a choice. Ironwood has already promised to take care of me with whatever funds I need for managing my recovery and rehab, but I’d much rather accept the care of friends than pay strangers to do it.

“Just think about it,” Olivia says. “You’re always welcome at our place.”

“I appreciate it,” I say, feeling far more emotional than I should.

Roark

A couple of days later, I’m doing laps up and down the hospital corridor with Squid, one of my new buddies from Ironwood. He keeps griping at me to slow down before I break the world land speed record.

I flip him off and keep going. My doctor said I’ll be released today.

When we get back to my hospital room, three people are waiting inside: my doctor, Cameron, and Penny. They all turn around at once when I step into the doorway.

Squid gives me a fist bump. “See you at work soon, I hope.”

“You too, man. Thanks.”

He takes off, and now I can focus on the people in front of me. I enter the hospital room and sit down on the edge of my bed, careful not to look tired—I don’t want the doctor to think I’m too weak to be released.

My doctor speaks first. “Your recovery has been astounding, Mr. Willis, probably because of how you’re pushing yourself to keep moving. If you have a care network set up at home, you have my signature to be discharged.”

Shit. Other than Jaxon and Olivia floating the idea past me, I haven’t set up a care network or anything like it. “I?—”

“He’s coming home with us,” Penny says.

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