Page 95 of Dearly Betrayed

He grimaces. “Easy, babe. I’m fucked up right now.”

“Sorry,” I say, backing off with a gasp. “Shit, I’m so sorry.”

“It’s okay.” He takes my hand in his as I sit down at his bedside. Machines beep, but he’s whole, my Jayson is whole. “Doctors say I’m gonna be okay. The bullets missed the important stuff, thank God.”

“Adler told me what you did. I guess now I understand why Zach was so apologetic.”

He sighs and closes his eyes. His hand tightens on mine. “I’m sorry. I knew you’d be pissed when I did it, but I couldn’t look at myself in the mirror if I didn’t try to save his life. I can’t lose another one.”

I lean forward and take his face in my hands. “Look at me. Jayson, I love you so much, and I love you even more for being the man you are. I’m proud of you. Don’t ever fucking do something like that again.”

He grins and accepts my gentle kiss. “I hope I never have to.”

“I guess that’s the best I’ll get.”

Casey comes into the room a little while later followed by Adler. “The kids will come visit in a few days, once you’re feeling a little stronger,” she says, patting Jayson’s shoulder. “Erick and Conlan are flying in to make sure you’re okay.”

Jayson groans. “They’re coming back? Fucking hell.”

“They love you, don’t be so surprised.” I keep on holding his hand, and he squeezes me tightly.

“The whole Costa family, back in one place again.” He sighs and looks at the ceiling. “What a mess.”

Then a hush falls over the room as Nessa enters. She walks primly to the bed, wearing a chic pantsuit that makes her look austere. Her eyes are red-rimmed though, and she looks tired.

“Jayson,” she says.

“Mom. Hey. You okay?”

“I should be asking you that.” She leans down and kisses his cheek. “I know what you boys are. I know what you do for this family. But please, son, I can’t lose any of you. Not after losing your father.”

“I’ll try to stick around, okay?”

“Good. You have a wife to look after now, and soon you’ll have children too. I heard you carried her to your room like a caveman yesterday. I hope you’re well on the way to getting pregnant.” She gives me a stern look.

My ears turn pink as Casey and the boys both laugh. Nessa cracks a little smile, and I realize she’s only teasing.

It feels strange, standing in this room, Jayson in the hospital bed in that ugly gown, looking exhausted and sunken, but this is the first time that I really feel like I’m a part of this family. I’m not the stranger girl sent here to ruin everything—I’m Jayson’s wife and the future mother of his children.

I’m a Costa now.

And all it took was nearly losing him—twice—for it to really sink in.

Chapter43

Jayson

“Fucking home.” I step across the threshold into the condo and release a groan. “No more hospital bed. No more hospital food. Fucking home.”

“Take it easy, okay?” Fallon helps support my weight, which is goddamn humiliating, but I’m still recovering from two gunshot wounds. Doc says I’ll be good to go in a month, but for now, I need to take it easy. My wife steers me to the couch and fusses over me. “Need a blanket? Some pillows?”

“I’m not some frail fucking old man,” I grumble and catch her wrist, tugging her into my lap. “I’ve actually never felt better.”

“Don’t you dare,” she says, wiggling her hips and grinding into my cock. “You are not up to the task just yet.”

“Try me. Go ahead. Take off your clothes. I can sit back and let you do most of the work.”

“I’d rip open those stitches. You think I’m going to go easy on you, husband of mine? No, I’m going to fuck you into oblivion.”

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