“The bullets missed all his major organs. He did, however, lose a lot of blood, so he’s going to need to rest for a while. No strenuous activities.”
“He’s okay… he’s okay…” I repeat to myself.
The doctor places a reassuring hand against my shoulder, and I have to stop myself from flinching away from his touch. “Yes, he’s in recovery right now. As soon as we move him into a regular room, you can go and see him and stay with him if you like.”
“Thank you, doctor.” Nick gives him a tight-lipped smile, and the doctor smiles back before walking back to the nurses’ station.
With the doctor gone, I turn back toward Nick. My fear of losing Miles is all I can think about. I won’t believe a word that anyone says until I see him for myself.
“Everything is okay, Rose. Miles is like a brother to me, so I know how you’re feeling right now, but he’s too much of a pain in the ass to die on us. It won’t be long till he’s out of this place and back to being a dick to everyone in the world.”
I want to return the smile he gives me to comfort him in the same way, but I don’t have it in me. Instead, I nod my head and remain sitting in the same uncomfortable chair.
Three stale cups of hospital coffee and a granola bar later, they finally allow me into the room to see Miles. I take hesitant steps toward the bed where he lays, machines hooked up to him, tubes coming out of his body. He looks fragile, which is strange because he’s the least fragile-looking person I know, which only adds to the never-ending emotions I’m feeling.
Tears sting my eyes. He almost died because of me.
“Miles,” I croak, unable to hold it together, a second longer. Nearly sagging against the bed, I grab onto his hand and squeeze. His hand is warm and rough, and I almost break out into a sob. I need him to know that I’m here, that I’m with him and that I didn’t just leave, that all of this wasn’t for nothing.
His eyes flutter open and find mine immediately.
“Rose,” he croaks quietly.
“Yes.” I squeeze his hands a little tighter, letting him know I’m here.
“Are you okay?” His face contorts with pain as he asks, and I almost laugh.
“Yes, I’m okay.” I squeeze his hand again, “I’m not the one in the hospital bed, am I?”
“I was so worried about you… How did we get out?”
“You’re welcome,” Nick chimes in from the corner of the room. “I’m expecting a pay rise after everything that happened.”
Miles shakes his head, but gives him a faint smile before turning his attention back to me, “Did…” I can see the guilt in his eyes. “Did anything happen… are you okay? Have you seen a doctor?” I just can’t with him. Even when he’s near death, he’s still worried about me.
“I’m okay, and nothing happened to me. Just a couple scrapes and bruises, and that’s it.” I swallow, “Please don’t worry about me. You’re the one who was shot.”
Miles’s face turns serious, and he looks like he wants to strangle me, “I will always worry about you, Rose. You’re mine, and I am yours. Forever.” As soon as the words are said, I’m falling apart all over again.
“Get up here,” Miles orders, and I don’t even care if I get yelled at by the nurses. Doing his best to try and help me onto the bed, I somehow manage to climb up and not hit one of his wounds. He tucks me into his side, and I sigh happily, feeling the warmth of his body all around me. His scent fills my lungs as I breathe him in.
“I love you,” I whisper against his heavy beating heart.
“I love you more, sweets. I love you so much,” he whispers back, and I’ve never heard truer words in my life.
Epilogue
Miles
Six Month Later
It took me longer than I hoped to fully recover, but I’m finally back to my old self. To kicking ass, taking names, and giving zero fucks about anyone but my sweet little Rose.
“Baby, you better be on that bed naked,” I call from down the hall when I hear a soft squeal. I shake my head before turning and walking into the bedroom.
“And what if I’m not?” She giggles, and I can’t help but smile at seeing her kneeling on top of the bed, in nothing but my shirt. Her big, blue eyes are bright and full of happiness, and that’s exactly what I love to see at the end of every day.
Her… happy, healthy, and completely mine.
“Then, I’ll have to strip that shirt off of you myself and taste your little, pink nipples.” I grin, crossing the space between us in three huge strides. I’ve learned that though Rose is tiny, she isn’t weak or fragile. She won’t break like I was worried she would.