Page 121 of Gunner

“I see.” She smiled, winking at me. “I’m sure Ben won’t mind.”

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Boone, but the chief was attacked right here at the hospital. I can’t allow just anyone to enter his room. He’s the president of the Blood Hounds.”

“Escort him inside, and Ben will let you know if he can stay.”

Shit. How did I signal to her that wasn’t a good idea? Ben wasn’t exactly fond of me.

“I’ll ask the chief.” The cop slipped into the room, closing the door behind him.

“I’m sorry,” Ben’s sister said. “I really was trying to get him to let you in.”

“It’s okay. Truth is, Ben might not want to see me.”

“Oh posh. I say that all the time, yet I’ve never turned away my husband.” She patted her protruding belly. “You’re not what I expected.”

“Excuse me?”

“I could see Ben was happy when he last visited me. I figured he had someone in his life, but you’re not what I expected. Not in a bad way, though. You’re just not the type of guy he usually goes for.”

I frowned. “I see.”

“Gosh, I hope I haven’t offended you.”

“I’m not easily offended.”

“But you must come to dinner with Ben someday. I’ll call to let him know. It was nice meeting you. By the way, I’m Alice.”

“Likewise.”

She walked down the hall, rubbing a hand at the small of her back. She looked as if she was about to pop that kid out any minute now.

The cop returned, smirking. “Chief Witter doesn’t want to see you.”

I shoved him aside, ignoring his yelp, and marched into the room.

“Stop!” the cop cried after me.

I would recognize the click of a gun cocking anywhere, but I didn’t spare him a glance. Ben, who had lain half-reclined, shot up and grimaced, clutching his side.

I took a step forward.

“Don’t move.” The fucking cop.

“Hanks, put away your firearm,” Ben said.

“But, sir—”

“It’s okay. I forgot I had a few things to discuss with Gunner. You can wait outside.”

As soon as the cop closed the door, I walked to Ben’s bed. “I want to hate that cop, but I can’t. He’s doing a good job not letting anyone in who can hurt you.”

“I know why you’re here,” he said. “Sorry, I had you watch Zeus all night. I’m just waiting for the doctor to discharge me. Then I can pick him up, and we’ll go home.”

“I’m not here for Zeus. He’s missing you, but he’s fine. Lie back.”

“What?” Startled, Ben grunted when I guided him to lie back on the bed. “What are you doing? For god’s sake, I’m in a hospital bed.”

“I’m not going to fuck you, moron. I want to see how big your scar is. That’s the same length I’ll use for each cut when I carve up that motherfucker.”

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