Page 28 of Ours to Keep

“Amen to Gladys,” Tommy says, a soft smile curling his lips.

Lily shifts until she’s somewhat comfortable. “Who’s Gladys?” she asks, looking between us. Of course she wouldn’t know who she was, would she?

“She’s basically our fairy godmother,” River says, returning with a glass and bottle of apple and elderflower. “Your favourite,” he says.

Her eyes move to mine, a look of surprise. I raise an eyebrow. Yes, Duchess, I’ve been paying attention.

He pours her a glass and hands it to her as he sits on my small coffee table.

“Riv, get your skanky arse off my table,” I say, kicking his boot.

He scoffs, moving to his feet. “That’s not what you said yesterday,” he retorts, sitting beside Lily on the sofa, his hand moving protectively to her thigh.

Elliot laughs as I shake my head.

“What did we miss?” Tommy asks, referring to him and Lily.

“Let’s just say Jax walked in on the tail end of me and El after we’d had sex.”

Lily lets out a small gasp, her eyes widening when she registers his words.

Rubbing my jaw, my cheeks heat. “Your ego really doesn’t need stroking any more than it is already getting, Riv, but yes, you have a fine arse,” I throw back, leaving River speechless.

I can’t help but smile because, damn, if the banter isn’t bloody welcome, especially after the stress of the past few days. But the sound of Lily yawning pulls my attention back to her as she winces, and it reminds me that she still needs her rest.

“Come on, you need to take your pain relief and have a lie down.”

She shakes her head. “I don’t want them. They make me groggy, and what if Mia calls again?”

River reaches for her hand. “Then we’ll wake you. Besides, you shouldn’t wait until you’re in agony to take them. Isn’t that right, El?”

Elliot nods. “He’s right, sweetheart. And we know you didn’t take any this morning.”

What? Why am I only just hearing about this now?

Her lips part, ready to respond, but River stops her, his index finger going to her lips. “Please, Lily, it hurts us to see you suffering.”

She glances around at each of us, and I already know she’s going to concede before she nods in agreement. As she stands, I move in front of her, ready to carry her, but she holds up her hand. “Jackson, I can walk… but thank you.”

“Okay, Duchess. This way.” She goes slowly, her hand holding her ribs as River grabs her drink and falls into step beside her. Elliot reaches for her holdall, and Tommy goes ahead, opening the door to the guest room. Looks like we’re all going.

“Wow,” she whispers as she steps through the threshold. “This is lovely,” she remarks, sounding genuinely surprised. She moves to the edge of the bed and slowly lowers herself to the mattress.

“Expecting a bachelor pad, were you, sweetheart?” Elliot asks, lowering her bag onto the ottoman and unzipping the side pocket for the prescription she was given on discharge. He shakes out two of the small pills from the bottle. “Here you go,” he says, reaching for her hand and dropping them into her palm.

River hands her the glass of juice, and we all stand there watching as she swallows them, chasing them down with her drink.

“As much as I appreciate your help, I think I’m good from here. I just want to lay down for a bit.”

Her words hit home, and I realise we’re crowding her.

“Shit, sorry,” River says, crouching down to remove her pumps and then lifting her legs onto the bed as she shuffles back.

“It’s okay, just a bit overwhelming,” she admits, her eyes growing glassy.

I can imagine being surrounded by four overbearing arseholes would be.

“We’ll leave you to rest,” I say, ushering the guys outside, but leaving the door slightly ajar in case she needs something.

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