Page 112 of Something Borrowed

“Is Tuomo ok?” My feet shift awkwardly this time and I suddenly don’t know what to do with my other hand so I shove it into my pocket too.

“He’s a bit pissed off, but he’s ok.” Mas chuckles, gingerly touching his own cheek. “It’ll all blow over, Red. We’re family. We fight. We make up. Don’t worry about it.”

I nod, biting the inside of my cheek.

“I’m sorry - about all of that. I am not sorry for fighting to win her back - but I am regretful about the other things.”

Mas turns to face me. “Do you know what your new nickname is on the streets? Have you heard what they’re calling you?”

“No?” I scrunch my brows. I’ve been out of the loop for far too long now. Consumed with getting Verity back and not interested in anything else.

He laughs. “They call you The Red Dragon. I like it. Sounds ominous. And you earned it.” He raises his brows. News about the fires is spreading.

“I guess I did.” I grin.

Mas turns his back on me again. “Let us know when she wakes up.”

“Sure.”

My brother walks away from me, headed out of the hospital. I appreciate his effort to come here and resolve the situation. Itwas bothering me. I don’t always get on with my family, but I don’t want to be at war with them.

“Sir - come quickly she might be waking up.”

I bolt towards her room, almost knocking the nurse over. I’m at her bedside in a matter of seconds.

Taking her hand, I whisper her name.

“Verity, vixen.”

She sighs and groans a bit before her eyes flicker.

Patience was never my strong point, but I’m trying - trying not to grab her into my arms or flood her with everything that’s in my heart before she’s awake.

“Red.” She whispers - that gorgeous smile touching the edges of her lips.

“Hey you.” I grin. “Welcome back.”

“How long - has - it?”

“You’ve been resting for almost three days.”

The nurse standing on the other side of her bed holds out a glass of water. “Here you go sweetie. Let’s lift your bed so you can drink a little.”

The bed hums as it tilts upward.

I wait while the nurses check her over and make sure she’s ok.

When we are alone, I pull a chair next to her bed and sit down, taking her hand in mine.

“Verity, I need to tell you how sorry I am for what I did to you.”

“What do you mean?”

“The fire - I almost killed?—”

“Stop.” She demands. “Red, don’t you get it? You promised to burn the world down until you found me and - you did. You did all of that for me. You set me free. I fucking love you.” She grabs the collar of my shirt and tugs me towards her.

She doesn’t have to ask twice. I stand up and lean over her, pressing my lips against her and kissing her.

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