Page 168 of Damaged Protector

I flipped through the pages. That crazy girl had booked us on a red-eye flight that left tonight. Both of us.

Shaking my head in wonder, I stood and walked down the hallway. Sure enough, an open suitcase was on my bed. I glanced inside, seeing clothes and my black leather toiletry bag.

What the actual fuck is going on here?

Making my way to Mallori’s room, I watched from the doorway as she placed T-shirts and jeans into a hot-pink suitcase before tapping her lips and turning to her bathroom. When she returned with her toothbrush and deodorant, she noticed me.

“Oh, hi. Did I forget something in your suitcase?”

I gawked at this wonderful woman for a second before shaking the papers at her. “How did you pay for this?”

Her grin was smug as hell, and she propped her hands on her hips. “The refund money from the housing department.” She narrowed her eyes into what I assumed was supposed to be a glare. “You know, the money I keep sending to you, but you keep sending back?”

I was unable to contain my chuckle. We had passed that damn money back and forth for two months. She was completely exasperated with me because I wouldn’t accept it.

“Anyway, I bought the tickets with that, so there.” Her chin lifted defiantly, and I wanted to kiss that smart mouth until her lips were bruised.

“Why did you buy two tickets?”

When she tilted her head, her blonde ponytail fell in front of her shoulder. “It seemed more comfortable than folding myself into your suitcase, and they have age limits on who can be a lap rider.”

Her sassy attitude and the thought of her sitting on my lap had me shifting my feet to try and alleviate some of the pressure building in my groin. Jesus, dude. Your sister is sick, and you’re thinking with your dick.

Mallori’s face turned serious, and she walked toward me to take my hand in her small one. “I’m sorry. I was so busy trying to get things organized, I forgot to ask if you’re okay.”

I gave her a small smile. “I’m okay. Could use one of your hugs though.” She immediately wrapped her arms around me, embracing me tightly, and I bent my head to inhale her.

Was my request some kind of sneaky-ass way to get her into my arms again? Of course it was, but it was completely worth it.

“Why are you coming with me?” I asked against her hair.

“Because you might need me,” she said simply, her voice slightly muffled by my chest. All my emotions swelled and swirled around us. She was so fucking sweet.

“You really didn’t have to do that, Bee. I know you need to study.”

“I can study in the waiting room.” She stepped out of my arms and rolled her lips inward in a self-conscious gesture. “I promise not to get in your way. I thought I could run errands for you so you can spend time with your sister. Bring you food and stuff like that.”

“You could never be in my way,” I assured her.

“If you say so. Now go check your bag and make sure I didn’t forget anything. I just packed comfortable clothes for you.”

“What about Nut?”

“Coconut,” she corrected, rolling her eyes, “and that automatic feeder you bought has enough food and water for five days. If we’re gone longer than that, I’ll text Shiloh to come and check on her. She and Cam have a key to your house, right?”

“Uh, yeah.”

Strolling away from me, she snapped her fingers twice and pointed toward my room. “Check your suitcase. Now, Gentry.”

I smiled and headed toward my room.

I adore you, you beautiful, bossy little thing.

Chapter 50

We rushed into the hospital a couple minutes before seven in the morning, and I immediately saw my sister’s ex-husband standing outside the surgical waiting room.

I slowed as I approached, trying not to show that I was gritting my teeth when I shook his proffered hand. I didn’t like the guy. What kind of man divorced his wife while she was going through cancer treatments?

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