Page 4 of Bradford

"Why doI keep waking up to find you hovering over me?" Bradford whispers, his brows knitting together in pain.

"Because you two have a bromance going on," Tessa says with a smirk.

Calling Bradford's friend had been the right thing to do. The man had been upset and ready to act from the moment I called him. His new wife was just as worried. I bet they won't forget their wedding night—first, Bradford got hit by a car, and then he got shot trying to save me. It was a night full of unexpected events.

Feeling a mix of gratitude and guilt, I raise my gaze to the man lying in the bed and find him already looking my way. Unable to think of anything to say, I'm grateful when his friend chuckles and strides over. He wraps an arm around my shoulders and moves me into their group. "Florence Nightingale here has been worrying herself sick about your stupid ass."

His friend releases me and I lock eyes with Bradford. A blush creeps onto my face from the intensity of his gaze.

He clears his throat. "I'd do it again if it meant keeping Florence safe.”

"No need for that." I shudder. "I hope that was a one-time thing. I mean, me getting held at gunpoint and you getting shot saving me."

"I knew what you meant." The man gives me a lopsided smile, causing my heart to flutter. He really is gorgeous, with hisblack hair and blue eyes. He's also taller than my five-foot-four frame. He's also incredibly brave.

Feeling awkward and uncomfortable, I slowly start shuffling away from the side of his bed. I don't get far before Bradford grabs my wrist. I see pain flicker across his face.

"You shouldn't move so quickly,” I soothe.

“You're trying to sneak away."

"Hey," Madden says in a wicked tone, "you're mine, babe. Leave the nurse alone. You don't want me to get jealous?" He dramatically waggles his eyebrows.

Tessa rolls her eyes. "Behave yourself.”

My eyes find Bradford's. "I have to get to work."

"Just don't get into any more trouble, okay?"

"I'll try not to." I sigh. "Honestly, the hospital can get loud and chaotic, but that's the first time there's been a gunman since I've worked here." Something about last night didn't feel right. The gunman knew exactly who Bradford was. The second he showed the man shot him. None of it makes sense. Then again, people who do that don't really make sense. To me, anyway. "I'll try to come see how you're doing during my shift, okay? So, behave yourself."

He smirks. "I promise to be a good boy. Scout's honor."

Madden snickers. "No way, you were never a Boy Scout!"

"Madden, shut up!" Tessa and Bradford say at the same time.

I giggle and wag my finger at him. "Behave. I'll be back when I can."

"I'd love a sponge bath," he shouts as I open the door.

"That can be arranged, Mr. Winchester," Nurse Zaire says firmly.

I quickly glance over my shoulder as I leave and see the look of horror on Bradford's face. I laugh my way out of the room. Zaire is a great nurse who takes no nonsense from the senior staff or patients. Luckily for Bradford, I know she was teasinghim about the sponge bath. It will give him something to think about for a while.

My heart feels lighter as I make my way down to the locker room. Helping him with his first injury after the hit-and-run was a mixture of pain and delight for me. The man was hard all over. He smelled good, too. I wonder what it would feel like to be in bed with him. Wrapped up in his arms while he held me. It’s been a long time since I’ve been held. Just thinking about him and his protective nature makes me feel warm inside.

4

BRADFORD

Much to my dismay,the nurse inserted another catheter into my penis. To be fair, I couldn't get out of bed. I'm still not happy about it, though.

I was trying to entice Florence to go on a date with me when she started fiddling with something. It turns out she was changing the bag that collects my urine. Embarrassing is an understatement. It shut me up quick. I mean, what could I say after that? I'm not used to blushing every five minutes. Then again, I'm also not used to being thrown in the air by a car or shot by an asshole. Focusing on those issues is much better than thinking about what Wyatt will say about my position on the team.

I play in the minor leagues, and that's still impressive. It's something I don't want to lose while I'm recovering, although that won't happen. I tell myself that anyway. Wyatt Peters, the owner and manager of the minor and major league teams, has always been fair. I know I shouldn't worry too much, but I am. I will until I speak to him.

While I'm bored out of my mind, I glance around the hospital room. Nothing fancy here. I roll my eyes at myself for thinking something so stupid. It's a hospital, not a five-star hotel. Thewalls could use a fresh coat of paint. What a thing to notice. I spot a book on the bedside table and wince slightly as I reach for it. My eyes pop wide open, and a grin spreads across my face at the title: Indecent Villain. Is this one of those romance novels? I flip through the pages and spot the word ‘cock.’"Kinsley wraps her lips around my cock, sending shivers down my spine."

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