Page 74 of The Sinner's Touch

Angel hoped he liked what she’d gotten him. He’d always been difficult to shop for, but this year, his gift wasn’t expensive. It was something that represented the new start they bothwanted. It was a snow globe with the city of Boston nestled within its walls. It was here they’d been given their second chance. She hoped he liked it.

“Mrs. Kincaid, how are we feeling today?” The doctor pushed his way into the room, all smiles, and she growled at him.

“I am not good today. I want to go home.”

“Well, your labs are looking much better, but the infection still hasn’t left your system. I’m changing your antibiotics today, and we’ll reevaluate in a few days.”

Her lips pursed. “You’re not going to let me go home for Christmas, are you?”

He shook his head. “Your body has been through a lot. It needs time to recover from wounds and the infection that was out of control less than four days ago. I know this isn’t what you wanted, but…”

“She’ll gripe, but she’ll stay.” Kade came into the room, still dressed in his Santa outfit, minus the white beard. He was the sexiest fat Santa she’d ever seen. Until he opened his mouth and spewed that nonsense.

“I was thinking of checking myself out.”

They both looked alarmed.

“Mrs. Kincaid…”

“Angel…”

“I just want to go home for Christmas. What if I come back the day after?”

“That defeats the purpose of pumping you full of continuous IV antibiotics. If you want to get better, you have to stay.”

“She’ll stay.” Kade had that nasty, stubborn look on his face, and she sighed. She wasn’t getting out of here.

The doctor said a few more things, but she tuned him out. It wasn’t until Kade sat down on the bed that she looked his way. He was staring at her foot. The knife had done a good bit of damage, and she’d need physical therapy after it healed.

It hurt today. She’d asked them not to give her any more pain meds because she was afraid she’d get hooked. It was so easy to do. But that decision brought with it full-on pain. Ibuprofen just wasn’t cutting it.

“You okay, baby?” Kade leaned down and pressed a kiss to the tip of her nose.

“I want to go home,” she said, surly.

“I know, but I want you better more.”

“They let you out.”

“I didn’t get a post-surgery infection.”

Kade suppressed his grin. She wouldn’t appreciate it. She’d been grumpy since yesterday, but he knew it was because the thought of spending Christmas in the hospital depressed her. Not that he was a fan either. He’d rather be home too, but it was what it was, and they’d deal.

“Maybe I’ll give you your Christmas present early.”

“Present?” She perked up, and he did laugh then. Angel loved presents. She’d never ask for them, and that was why he’d taken delight in getting her things while they dated and later after they were married. He loved the look of surprise and eagerness that never failed to mar her expression.

“Mmmhmm.” He scooted closer and gave her another kiss, this time on the corner of her mouth.

“Gah! My eyes can’t take it!” Nik came in, his hand over his eyes. “You need to be in private for that, Kade.”

Kade laughed and sat up. His little brother had the worst timing imaginable, but then he always had. Lily came in behind him, and it was only then he noticed they were carrying bags.

“What’s that?”

“You’ll see.” Lily smiled, her eyes sparking with mischief.

Viktor and Dimitri followed, with Viktor carrying an artificial tabletop tree.

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