Page 90 of Shea's Hero

“I’d say he’s okay,” another voice adds with a hint of amusement. Zane, from the sound of it. “Considering he took out three guys single-handedly.”

“It’s okay,” I murmur into her hair. “We’re okay.”

“Kingston!” Kane this time. He sounds like he’s running. “You’d better be okay. I don’t want to have to find another partner.”

Still outside, Cole calls out, “Zane. Keep on these three pieces of shit. Although it doesn’t look like they’re going anywhere for a while.”

Shea peels her face from my neck and peers up at me. “We’re really okay?”

As Cole and Kane run into the house, I give them both a quick chin lift. “Check this asshole. I shot him twice.”

Cole passes by us and claps me on the shoulder. “Damn glad you’re okay, Ollie.” His lips twitch. “Maya would be devastated if anything happened to you. And I’d be pretty upset, too.” He pauses, his voice gentling as he says to Shea, “You too, Shea. Everyone’s been worried about you. I’m really glad you’re safe.”

Gathering Shea into my arms again, I press my lips to the top of her head. “It’s all over. And it’s time to go home.”

CHAPTER 19

SHEA

I should be feeling relieved right now.

Those awful men are in jail, awaiting trial, and Oliver is certain they’ll be convicted. So they won’t be a threat to us again.

Oliver is safe, relatively unhurt, aside from a small bruise and cut on his face.

I escaped from the experience with some minor bruising on my wrists, although if you were to ask Oliver, it’s a critical injury. Even though Cole checked me over and said I was absolutely fine, Oliver kept pushing for me to go to the hospital, as he argued,just to be sure.

“There could be something more serious,” he kept insisting all the way back to Sleepy Hollow. “A head injury. Something internal. Why take chances if we don’t have to?”

Finally, I climbed onto his lap and told him quietly, “I’m fine, Oll. The only thing I need is to feel your arms around me. Just us. Please?”

So he caved. But I think that was in part because we decided to come back to Blade and Arrow, and Cole happens to be their team’s medic. So if there is some fluke wrist emergency, Cole will be on hand to treat it.

“There’s a lot to discuss,” Cole explained in the car, “so I think just for tonight, since you already have your stuff here, it would be better to stay at B and A. Plus, I know Maya would really love to see you for herself.”

Would I prefer to be back at Oliver’s house, cuddling on the new couch we picked out together, surrounded by all the photos and decorations he put up just for me?

Yes. Of course.

But I can see the sense in staying here for the day. Mayawasreally worried, which I completely understand. And given the amount of time Oliver had to spend in meetings—with the Blade and Arrow team, the police department, and one of his former colleagues from the CIA—I wouldn’t have been too crazy about sitting at his place by myself.

Here, even when Oliver wasn’t available, I always had company. First, Maya and Georgia, then Nora, and later in the afternoon, Ari and Thea. So that was actually pretty nice.

What wasn’t nice? Having to tell Niall what happened. Thank goodness for Jade, or I think he would be on the next flight here, intent on dragging me to Texas whether I like it or not. But my best friend talked him down, and now he’s settled on a more reasonable promise, which is that he’s coming here to visit next week.

He did sound pretty impressed when I explained how Oliver took down all four tangos—that’s what Niall calls them—single handedly,andthat I walked away unscathed.

And I did. Mostly. Some bruises don’t count.

“I have to say,” Niall said once he stopped muttering curses and breathing hard over the phone, “I always liked Oliver. And if he can protect you like that, I’m okay with you being together again.”

There’s no doubt in my mind that Oliver saved my life. What he did… it was beyond brave. Beyond incredible. Fighting backagainst four armed men? While unarmed, except for a blade the length of my pinkie? And handling that terrifying standoff on the road without letting either of us get hurt? I’m in awe of him, really.

But I don’t think Oliver agrees.

And that’s why I have this icky feeling in my stomach. It’s why I can’t enjoy being safe, spending the evening with Oliver, making love until we forget the awful events from earlier today.

He’s too quiet. Almost remote. And when he thinks I’m not paying attention, his face pinches like he’s in pain.

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