Page 72 of Fierce Protector

In the hospital, Ledger refused to leave her side. They continued to give her oxygen to aid her breathing. When they first placed the doppler on her belly and located the baby’s heartbeat, relief swallowed her.

Tears leaked from her eyes, and she was helpless to stop them. That sound was such sweet music. The sound of life. Of their future.

The nurse gave her a smile. “Your baby sounds strong. We’ll get you back to imaging for an ultrasound just to be sure everything looks okay.”

Ledger met Demi’s stare. His eyes were bloodshot, his expression grim. But love and hope gleamed through it all.

Chapter Sixteen

As soon as the nurse left them alone for a few minutes, he leaned over Demi, forehead pressed against hers.

“Don’t ever scare me like that again, woman.”

She chuckled, which caused her to cough several more times. He’d heard men whose lungs were ruined from chemicals or explosions. Even though hers didn’t sound that way, he still called for the doctor.

She waved a hand. “I’m okay, Ledger. I don’t need help.”

He gave her a penetrating look to let her know that he was taking charge in this matter. He wasn’t taking any chances with her or their child.

When the doctor entered, the older woman greeted them both. “I heard you had a difficult night. How are you feeling?”

“I’m feeling better.” Behind the oxygen mask, her voice was muffled.

Ledger caressed her hand.

The doctor smiled at him. “This is your husband?”

Demi slanted a look his way. “No.”

“Boyfriend?”

“No.”

Looking awkward from the responses, the doctor patted her other arm. “We’re going to do a scan soon to check out the baby, but you’re going to be fine. You’re suffering from smoke inhalation, but your oxygen levels are steadily climbing to normal range.”

“Will I be able to go home tonight?”

“We’ll stop the oxygen soon, and as long as your numbers hold steady, then you should be able to go home tonight.”

A rumble of protest vibrated up Ledger’s throat. “Is that a wise move?”

When Demi looked at him, her eyes were soft with understanding. She understood what he was thinking. What he was feeling. She knew him like few people did.

His brothers-in-arms related to what he’d gone through, the things he struggled with. But he’d only ever let Demi see this more vulnerable side of him.

As soon as the doctor left the cubicle, he gripped Demi’s hand. “I’m not your husband or your boyfriend.”

She blinked up at him. “Umm…”

“Label me, goddammit. From now on, everyone we come in contact with will know that we’re together.”

“Well, boyfriend sounds so juvenile.”

“I agree.”

“Significant other?”

He gave a hard nod. “That’ll do. For now.”

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