Page 44 of Under the Influence
The sobs overcome her unnecessary confession of guilt. Nothing I can do but hold her while she cries. For the very last time over that motherfucking bastard and his psychotic mother. Both of whom will pay for what they'vedone.
Him with his life. Only her gender spares her. Although I don't think she'll be all that appreciative once she starts serving her time. I've got just as many associates in the women's penitentiary who love to dole out the punishment due to those dumb enough to cross me. "You have nothing to apologizefor."
“Maybe if I had been more direct...more clear that I didn't want to be withhim..."
Hell the fuck no. I push her back from me with all the restraint I can muster and cup her moist cheeks. "Regardless of what you did or didn't do, no man – no woman – has the right to put their hands on you. I don't give a damn how mad or upset or disappointed they are. You gotme?"
Her sweet head nods within my palms. "I've gotyou."
Wiping away the tears with my thumbs, I finally garner a small smile. That I need more than money or power or oxygen. She's had a rough time, but she's still in there. She's going to be all right. Hopefully strong enough for the next battle too. “I called your Mom and Dad and told them you were in an accident but that you’re okay. Your mom was furious with me for not giving her any details but I thought it would be best to tell them inperson.”
“They’re cominghere?”
Apprehension fills her exhausted eyes as she glances around the hospital room. Although I rarely do what’s right, this time I had to. For her and for them. Because as much as I want to be selfish and keep her hidden away all to myself, her parents deserve to know what happened even if they hate me. Probably almost as much her best frienddoes.
“Yeah, I’ve sent the jet for them. Sheena too. She kept rejecting my calls so I finally had to texther.”
“It’ll be okay. We’ll make themunderstand.”
So much confidence sounds in her voice as she grasps my hand. Another reason I love this woman. Loyal when I don’t deserve it. An optimist when times are the bleakest. I just hope she’s right. Because I’m not giving her up. “They won’t land until morning, so I want you to restuntil–"
The door clicks behind us, and I fly off the mattress ready to end anyone who thinks they can fuck with me tonight. Fuck! Father Martin flinches. His bible and Chryseis' bouquet tumble to his feet from his hands flying up in self-protection.
“Don't shoot! I'm just the deliveryman."
One of the rare good men in this world. Even rarer guilt floods my veins, and I tuck my gun back into my waistband. “My apologiesReverend."
He pats his chest a few times but still emits a good-natured chuckle. "Mine too. I should know better than to surprise a man who's been as thoroughly tested as you have been for the last few hours." His gaze moves to her. "I just wanted to check on you and bring youthis."
After swiping the flowers and his book off the floor, he digs in his pocket and offers her the silver band he pulls out. "I found this in the hallway and wanted to make sure it was returned toyou."
“Gio's ring." The scratchiness grating her voice can't diminish the emotion. "Thank you so much! I never thought I'd see itagain."
"I was worried you might think that so I wanted to get it to you as soon as possible. I know you're going to be needing itsoon."
She stares at the jewelry in her delicate fingers. Stroking over and over the polished metal. Deep in her own mind. Probably with fucking doubt after the hell she just endured. I fucked up rushing her, and I refuse to make the same mistake. Next time we'll include her parents and friends regardless of how long it takes to convince them of the sincerity of my intentions. "Angel,I–"
"How aboutnow?"
Adrenaline spikes through my overwrought muscles again. I can barely hear her whisper, but I swear to god she said now. "You want to get marriedtonight?"
"Yes, if that's okay withyou."
“Fuck yes it's okay. But are you sure? We can wait if youwant."
“I don’t want to wait anymore." She swallows hard. Seemingly from the rawness of her battered throat as well as her emotions. "I said yes to your proposal on a leap of faith. Trusting your words because I wanted to believe them. Hoping we – our relationship – could survive whatever came our way. But, now..." Her sob sounds through her definitive tone. Her gorgeous face bright and dazzling with certainty. "...now I have proof. You and I can surviveanything."
“Hell yes wecan.”
Father Martin seems just as enthusiastic. A knowing smile as he flips up the leather cover and slides out a thick sheet of paper. “Your marriage license is stillvalid."
I kiss her temple. Struggling to restrain myself from doing anything more with a priest five feet away. “Then we're doingthis."
“Okay then. Take each other’shands.”
I don’t think I’ve ever seen her more beautiful. She takes my fucking breath away. Radiant despite the absurdity of our situation. But somehow, a hospital wedding seems right. I swore I loved her and would never leave. Marrying her now, just the two of us, couldn’t be moreperfect.
"Under these special circumstances I think we can deviate from the traditional vows. We know you've already honored the promises of ‘for better or for worse' and 'in sickness and in health.'" He winks at me with a mischievous smirk. "And we know there won't ever be any 'or poorer' so we can skip that parttoo."
