Page 76 of Severed Rivalry
“Humpty Dumpty.”
“Seriously, they need to dial back the meds.”
I shake my head. I’m coherent. Not in pain, but I’m thinking straight. That’s the balance I’m looking for—can think and communicate without pain. Why would she want me to hurt?
“Want me to get Ayla for you?”
I shake my head again and tug her hand, pulling her down to my side. When she slides an arm over my chest, I exhale. This is where she belongs. At my side.
And I’m never letting go.
22
horny octopus
Sariah
“Don’t disturb them.”
“I won’t but?—”
“You are. Stop it.”
“Ayla-girl.”
The last is paired with a rumbled chuckle that would warm me through if it weren’t for the man I’m touching like a horny octopus.
“You can’t help yourself, can you?”
“Shhh. One day, they’ll want it.”
“Wrestling helmet and all?”
“It’s a moment.”
“If you’re trying to be quiet, you’re not.” My ear rumbles as the chest below me bounces to emit those words.
I tilt my chin up to see Cian staring at the foot of his hospital bed.
“Do I want to know?” I ask in a whisper.
A firm squeeze to my hip and a shake of his head should be enough, but I venture a look down his body to see Ayla and a man.
I squint and look past the black leather, the shaved head, and the untamed beard to find the boy I knew forever ago. “Liam?”
“Good to see you, Sariah.”
“You too. I wanted to thank you—” I struggle to sit up, but Cian’s hand pulls me closer into his chest.
“Later.” The one-word answer is commanding and surprises me.
“I’m on duty,” Liam says, dropping into the chair and lifting his motorcycle boots to the chair next to him with two distinct thunks.
I don’t understand, but I also don’t care. I’m in Cian’s arms. If it weren’t for the setting, and the spectators, this would be downright perfect.
“I’m going to get home to Eleanor and Franklin.” Her new puppy. Only the Murphy’s wouldn’t use names like Buddy or Spot. Leave it to them to have formal ones for their pets. “Your girl will be fine. She’ll be ready for some peace and quiet when you get home, Ci. Sariah, does Renée need anything? I can drop by your place if I need to.”
“What time is it?”
