Page 73 of Protected Hearts

“No, you’re not.” Shiloh pressed her palm against his chest, and using no more than a gentle urging, pinned him to the bed. She leaned over him. “You’re going to let me take care of you during your hospital stay, and after you go home too.”

Carson spoke from the foot of his bed. “Better listen to her, Oaks. Seems like you’re one lucky bastardandyou’ve got all the perks with round-the-clock care.”

Whatever painkillers were pumping through his system, along with the residual anesthesia, took over, and he opened his eyes again, aware that time had passed.

The room had a different quality of light. He blinked at the blinds covering the windows and saw that it was dark outside.

“Here’s the man of the hour.” Colt’s quip had him groaning.

Some of the dizziness had faded, and for that he was grateful. “Asshole.”

Several chuckles sounded in response to his insult. Then a soft hand slipped into his. He curled his fingers around it and focused on Shiloh’s face.

Shadows of worry hovered beneath each eye, and she was pale.

“Your neck.” His gaze dropped to her throat. She wore a sweatshirt with a high collar that blocked him from seeing what he knew would be marking her skin.

Bruises from William trying to choke the life out of her.

If he’d burst into that hangar any later…he would have been too late. He would have lost her.

He tugged on her hand, urging her closer. “Did they check you out? Are you okay?”

She shivered against him as the final wisp of fear left her. “Yes, Colt made them check me. I’m fine.”

“Christ, honey.” He cradled the back of her head and pressed a kiss to her forehead, feeling the pucker between her brows smooth out.

“Is it time to tell him that he’s getting some kind of medal of honor?” Carson spoke in an overly loud whisper to Colt.

Shiloh shifted away from him, giving Oaks a clear view of his brother.

He shook his head, and the patch job in his side pulled with a twinge. “What are you talking about?”

Carson gripped the edge of Oaks’s bed. “The Russian operative has been arrested, but she’s in ICU thanks to the bullets you pumped into her.”

“Good,” he growled.

“Colt took her down right after she shot you. William too. He’s been charged with treason and terroristic acts against his country, among other things.”

“Damn.”

“There’s already talk about decorating you with a medal. Aren’t you lucky?” His words were filled with the sarcasm he and his brothers always used in banter with each other, but he bore a smile and a gleam of pride in his eyes.

“I don’t need any medals for protecting my wife.”

Shiloh leaned over him, lowering her forehead to rest against his. Up close, her eyes were a kaleidoscope of grays and blues, as stormy as a wild sea. But the depths were warm with love too.

He brushed his lips over hers in a tender caress. When she pulled away, he caught sight of Carson and Colt rolling their eyes at the display.

He kept hold of Shiloh’s hand. He wanted her close.

“If you’re finished cuddling with your wife, I was about to offer her a job.”

Shiloh twisted toward Carson. “What? You’re joking. After all the mess I brought to you and your family?”

“The freelance work you did for Black Heart Security was exactly what we need more of. Colt and I discussed offering you a more permanent arrangement.” His smile slanted across his face. “I have a feeling you’re going to be sticking around.”

Colt dragged up a chair and took a seat as if now that everything was settled, he could relax. He kicked back in the chair, legs extended. “Looks like everything worked out.”

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