Page 116 of Unravelling The Hitman: A BWWM Romance

My eyes bugged. Was she talking about Deacon?

Wait… why was Deacon in the hospital?

As if the nurse could read my thoughts, she explained, “His little kid is sick. The San Pedro branch transferred him here early this morning.”

“What room is he in?” I yelled.

All the nurses stopped and stared at me like I’d grown two extra ears.

“Uh, he’s at the end of the hall.”

I whirled around without another word and tore down the corridor. Just as I skidded to a stop in front of the right room, the door opened and a doctor stepped out with another nurse.

I moved out of their way and then caught the door before it locked completely, slipping inside. The shade over the window was up, allowing sunlight to blast through the room. The air conditioning unit buzzed, the sound covering my footsteps.

I eased into the hospital room and spotted Deacon hovering over Reid’s bed. He had a wet cloth in his grip and was gently running it over his son’s tiny body.

I watched Reid, so small and helpless in that bed. It felt like someone had taken an axe to my chest and wedged it in deep.

“Reid,” I whispered.

Deacon’s head twisted around. Green eyes widened when he saw me. I ignored his shocked expression and stalked to the side of the bed.

“Reid,” I whimpered. Turning to face Deacon, I demanded, “What’s wrong? Why is he here?”

“He has an infection. They’re keeping him here for observation while we wait for the tests results.”

“Poor baby.” I touched Reid’s palm. His fingers closed over mine in sleep. I could feel Deacon staring at me, but I was too distraught at the sight of Reid to care.

“He’ll be okay. We got to the hospital in time.”

“Thank God.”

“How are you parents?” Deacon asked quietly.

“They’re good.” I stared at Reid’s pale cheek. “They’re happy and healthy.”

“That’s great.”

“Thanks.” I glanced at him, feeling the awkwardness steal into the room. “Did you get my payments?”

“Yes.” He paused. “You don’t have to work so hard. I don’t need—”

I cut him off with a decisive nod. “I’m paying you back. That’s the right thing to do.”

“Okay.” He backed off, but I could sense his gaze lingering on my face.

I turned to him but Deacon, as brazen as ever, didn’t even bother trying to hide his perusal. Playing with my fingers, I straightened. Looked away. Looked back.

He was still staring.

Familiar feelings sparked in my chest. The past three weeks apart from him should have made me stronger, made me immune to that intensity of his, but—right now—I only wanted to curl into his lap and watch over Reid with him until the baby was better.

“I should go,” I muttered, stepping back before I gave in to that desire to stay.

“Don’t.” Deacon’s tortured voice made me freeze.

I turned around and saw him staring at the ground.

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