He moaned, and she smirked. “You like that don’t you? Such an asshole. You were right about me all along. I like that you challenge me. When you take control my panties are instantly wet. I live to get under your skin because I know you’re going to give me exactly what I’m looking for.”
“Good girl, we’re done,” Doc said.
“And he’s passed out. Probably best. There was no time for the painkiller to take effect.”
“I got the blood supply,” someone said as they walked in with a cooler.
“Good, let’s get him set up. Get the girl a seat. I want her here if he wakes up again.”
She sank into the chair someone brought over and held Hawk’s hand, willing him to hang on. His breathing was labored, and he skin was too hot.
“I’m going to set up an IV after we give him blood. It’ll help him fight infection and regain his strength.”
She nodded. “When can I clean him up?”
“After I get him settled,” Doc said.
“Okay.” She ran her hands through his hair to calm herself as Doc began the blood transfusion. Two bags in, she felt tears fill her eyes. He’d come damn close to expiring tonight.
“One more bag, and we’ll start fluids,” Doc said.
“Will he be okay?”
“I think so, as long as we keep him from get
ting an infection. It was the blood loss that had me concerned. I need to get my hands on some that fast clot.” Time folded onto itself and sleep dragged her back into its embrace.
“Hey.”
The sound of Hawk’s voice was an exquisite symphony to her ears.
“Hawk.” She opened her eyes and sat up, wincing at the jolt of pain that went through her neck.
She’d fallen asleep with her head on the table beside him.
“How are you feeling?” she asked.
“Like I’ve been shot.”
Her lips twitched upward. “You feel well enough to joke, so that’s a good sign. I’ll go and get the doc.”
“Was it just me or were you whispering naughty things in my ear?”
“Wouldn’t you like to know?”
His eyes darkened. “Wait ’til I’m well again.”
A shiver skittered down her spin. “Until then, I’m going to be giving you so much shit.” She brushed her head over his forehead, and stood. “I’m going to send the doc in to you, take a shower, and check on the girls. I don’t want them to feel like they were abandoned.”
“Good, I’m going to work on getting mobile.”
“Please don’t push it. You lost so much blood.” She closed her eyes.
“Gonna take more than that to put me to ground.”
“I’m counting on that,” she said before she left in search of Doc.
Showered and dressed in a black maxi dress with a plunging neckline and brightly colored flowers, she walked down to the cabin to visit the girls. She knocked on the door and smiled at Tex when he opened it. He was the perfect choice to handle them.