Page 151 of Mad Love

I’d almost died.

Had literally been a breath away from a bullet to the head.

“I just needed it to be over. I couldn’t spend the rest of our lives wondering when and if he’d show up.” A slightly maniacal laugh bubbled out of me as the weight of what had happened crashed around me. “I couldn’t stand him hurting you or Bex or anyone else ever again.”

“Shhh,” he murmured, his arms strong and solid as they anchored me to this moment. “You’re okay. We’re okay.”

“I’m sorry,” I blubbered again, sniffling as I looked up at him with blurry eyes.

He sighed and shook his head before pressing his hand in the flat space between my breasts. “It’s who you are, Maddie. Sometimes you’re reckless, but you do it because of this.” He tapped his index finger against my skin. “Your heart is so big, baby, and that’s one of the things I love about you. I’d never change that, okay? Ever.”

“Even when I do stupid shit?” I whispered.

He snorted. “I think we can both agree that your stupid shit doesn’t hold a candle to mine.”

A soft laugh eased some of the tension in my chest as I curled into him.

“But,” he added, “I’d really appreciate it if you’d keep the almost being killed by a psychopath tally to just one, deal?”

I kissed his chest and nodded, suddenly sleepy again. “Deal.”

CHAPTER 53

MADDIE

Mrs. Flounders wrapped her arms around me the moment I stepped into the kitchen the next morning. Ryan had grabbed us a quick snack the night before, but I’d been too wrung out—emotionally and physically—to do more than pick at a few things before falling asleep again. We’d showered before coming downstairs… which, because we were us, led to a lot more than loofahs being rubbed over each other’s skin. But by the time we were done, I was starving.

Judging by the array of food on the island and the pack of ravenous man-boys crowded around, I wasn’t the only one.

As soon as she let me go to return to the stove, Mrs. Beechum, the house manager, stepped in to grab me into another bone-crushing and soul-affirming hug. After a moment, she held me away from her body, checking me over for herself with a stern eye. She made an unhappy noise when she spotted my bandage and then each a new bruise. Then she turned her annoyed look at Ryan, who hovered at my back. “It’s your job to keep her safe.”

Ryan’s hand settled on my hip, firm and reassuring. “Yes, ma’am.”

I gave a small, unhappy sigh at the displeasure in his tone, because I knew he stupidly blamed himself for me being hurt.

Seriously, was there anything more sad than an alpha male who believed he’d failed his little woman?

I bit back a snort, because judging by the testosterone-heavy vibe in this room, that joke wouldn’t land well. I needed Bex back. And maybe Tyler.

“I have to check on some things, but you tell me if you need absolutely anything,” Mrs. Beechum ordered me.

I nodded. “I will. Thanks.”

She scoffed. “No, you won’t.” She pointed at each guy. “I expected all of you to watch out for her.”

She was met by a chorus of “yes, ma’am’s” that seemed to appease her before she left.

“Has anyone heard anything about Chase?” I asked.

Bishop shot me a smile from where he sat at the kitchen table near the bank of windows overlooking the backyard. “Made it out of surgery fine. Looks like he’ll make a full recovery.”

“Tyler said her uncle is already talking about having them flown back to London,” Ash added, sitting across from Bishop with a plate piled high with food.

It took seconds for the stacks of pancakes, waffles, eggs, sausage, hash browns, and bacon to be decimated by these guys as Knight, Linc, and Royal finished filling their plates and joined the others at the table.

Ryan nudged me forward, indicating I should get my own plate. I didn’t need any further prompting as I grabbed some of everything, deeply inhaling the scent of my favorite breakfast foods. “And Bex?”

“Court says she’s fine. Her mom’s doing good, too. Probably be discharged tomorrow.” Linc popped a piece of bacon into his mouth.

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