Page 83 of Eagle

“Thanks. Do you know if my stuff was still inside?”

“I’ll have it checked out,” he said as he pulled his phone out and walked down the hall.

Stepping back inside, I walked to the bed and Mama Hen pulled a chair over for me. “Here, hon. I’ll grab you some breakfast. Dr. Raja, why don’t you stretch your legs a bit and come grab a bite? I may have some clothes you change into.”

Shiv stood and stretched, then walked over to Eddie. “I guess I can’t really monitor much, anyway. You good?” she asked as she rubbed her hand over my arm.

I grabbed it and squeezed. “I’m okay. Are you okay? Do you need me to come with you?”

The door opened and Jackal stepped inside. “Little bird, you need a break.”

She leaned down to hug me but whispered in my ear, “Don’t you dare follow me.” She stood up and feigned exhaustion and patted her belly. “I’m actually a little famished.”

Jackal stepped closer and put his arm around Shiv. “C’mon, we’ll get you fixed up.”

Mama Hen grinned as they left then winked at me before she pulled the door closed. I grabbed his hand, then settled back into the chair and let my eyes close for a minute.

I started to doze off, but suddenly his hand was jerked from mine and he shot up in the bed, shouting.

Chapter 36

Eagle

My lids felt like lead and my side pinched. As I came out of the haze of what had to be a drug induced sleep, my body jerked and I sat up, yelling, “Lacy! Lacy!” frantically looking around. I pulled at something in my arm and winced as my body turned.

Suddenly, warm palms cupped my cheeks. “Shhh, shhh, shhh. I’m here. I’m right here.”

My hands went to Lacy’s face and my eyes were wide as they searched her for injuries. “Are you hurt? Were you hit?” I asked as my hands patted down her arms then her sides.

She steadied my head with her hands. “I’m fine. You saved me. You need to be still.”

I grabbed her neck and pulled her closer, her forehead pressed to mine. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there sooner. And your friend? Is she okay?” I asked as I fought to catch a good breath.

Nodding against me, she said, “We’re both fine.” Licking her lips and blinking away tears she said, “But you really fuckingscared me, Eddie.”

I pulled her closer and she climbed onto the bed. “Ow, shit.”

“Oh my God, I’m sorry,” she said as she rolled over to the other side.

But I didn’t care about the searing pain in my side. I pulled her against me and pressed my lips to hers, peppering kisses over her cheeks and forehead. “I’m sorry, baby. None of this should have happened to you,” I said through ragged breaths.

“I’m not the one who got shot,” she laughed through her tears.

“I’m okay. And I love you, Lacy.”

She froze and stared up at me, those big blue eyes red-rimmed and shimmery from the tears.

“I should have told you a million times before, but I was an idiot. I thought I was protecting you. No, that’s not it. I was protecting myself.” I winced as I continued, “I was scared, Lacy. But I’d rather be crushed by you than not have you at all.”

She shook her head and fresh tears streamed down her face. “I would never hurt you, Eddie. I just didn’t want you to keep hurting me.” Her chin trembled and she bit her lip. “But I should have just told you that I loved you and fought for you. Instead, I just left.”

I gripped her neck and pulled her closer. “No. I’ll fight you for you everyday, Lacy. You should never have to fight for me. It was all my fault, but never again. I promise. And I hope you let me prove it every day.” Grunting as I shifted I said, “But do me a favor and tell me you love me again.”

She smiled and sniffled. “I love you, Eddie. I love you.”

I crushed her lips with mine, but pulled back enough to say, “I love you. So fucking much. Please come home, Lacy.”

Her tear-filled eyes glimmered as she nodded. “I was going to surprise you, but my things were in the car. I’m coming home.”

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