Page 86 of Under Their Protection

“There he is,” Annie says happily.

“What’s wrong, Theo? Or are you upset because you’re going submissive on me or because you’re realizing I’m right about everything I say when you aren’t around?” I ask softly.

“This is going to be fun,” Max says giddily.

“Anika, you’re pissing me off,” Theo warns as he tightens his grip.

“It’s okay if you don’t find me attractive anymore. I’m a big girl. I can handle it,” I say. “Or is that the issue? Do you not like big girls, Theo?”

“Alright, if that doesn’t break him then he really has gone submissive,” Mia laughs.

Theo leans in and whispers in my ear, “You want me to fuck you like my dirty little whore? Is that it?”

“Yes,” I say with a bright smile.

“As a lawyer, I want to remind you that fucking in public will get you on the registry,” Emma laughs.

“Oh darn. No punishment for me,” I say with a dramatized, pouting face that turns into a giggle.

“Let’s go see Harper before he drags you into a back seat somewhere. Ride with Max,” Rowan laughs and pulls me away from Theo.

“I think you definitely broke him,” Max says when I get into the car with him.

“Hopefully. I get that he is concerned but if I can handle you and Rowan then I can handle him. I haven’t been in any pain in months and all the scans they’ve done to look at that artery came back magnificent. He’s being dramatic at this point,” I say.

“You’ve been very patient with him compared to me and Rowan,” Max says.

“Theo is still blaming himself for me getting shot. I know that has to take a toll so I didn’t want to force him into something that he was legitimately concerned with. It has just gotten to the point now where I am enabling his anxiety over it.”

We walk into themain entrance of the hospital and go to the front desk to find out which room she is in.

“She’s in room 212,” the lady says.

“Is anyone with her?” I ask.

“I believe so,” she nods.

“Thank you.” I turn and walk back over to the others. “212. They are with her also.

“Ready?” Theo asks me, having dropped his urge to fuck me to death for now.

“To see her, yes. Them, no,” I admit as we walk to the elevator. We all ride up to the second floor in silence. We walk a few doors down before I stop and turn.

“Are you okay?” Theo asks, cupping my face.

“Yeah,” I sigh. “Just nervous.”

“Everything will be okay,” he says as he kisses me. “Rowan is going in with you, okay?” I nod and he drops his hands.

“Let’s do this,” Rowan says, holding his hand out for me to take. I smile and interlace his fingers with mine.

I knock on the door and take a deep breath before opening it. When I go in I find Harper in the bed sitting up. She looks sickly but she’s smiling. My parents are sitting with her and they are all talking and joking.

“Anika,” Harper smiles. My parents stand and go to say something but I put my hand up and they stop. I know Theo and Max are at the door watching but keeping their distance.

“I am not here for you,” I say before turning to Harper. “How are you feeling?”

“Uh… I think I'm okay. Very sore,” she replies. “They can come in.” I look back at Theo and Max and they step into the room. Mia and the others are still in the parking lot waiting on an update.

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