Sean: A Stepbrother Romance (Coded for Love 3)

Rowan shook her head. “He’s not allowed in, just one at a time. Rory sat with you through the night when you first came out of surgery.”

“No offence to Rory, but I’d rather look at you.”

She laughed and there was a deep look of relief in her eyes. “They said next of kin only, a brother or sister. We lied, said I was a sister…being step-related finally came in useful.”

“‘Bout bloody time.” Every word was a huge effort.

“Draco said to tell you ‘it’s all good.’” She looked frustrated. “I have no idea what that means, and it doesn’t fill me with confidence when there’s a police watch on your room around the clock.”

Sean smiled, and then thought twice, because smiling hurt too. Everything hurt. “Don’t worry, if Draco says it’s good, it is. He’s a clever guy, your brother. That’s why he’s wearing the suit.”

Rowan flickered her eyebrows at him. “Don’t get any ideas, I prefer you in biker gear.”

“You do, huh.”

“I meant you’re in trouble with me, regardless.” Again she nodded back at the doorway, glancing over her shoulder as if concerned their time would run out.

“How do you plan to punish me?”

“Nag you to death.”

“Sounds great.”

“Oh, I’ll figure a way to make you pay, you’ll never be free of it.”

“Ideal. Means we’ll be together.”

Smiling she reached out and touched his face. “Right now, I want you to rest, get strong, and be careful what you say when they interview you.”

It was getting harder to speak. “Yes…go home to Pixie,” he managed. “You’ll be safe now.” Especially as I took a bullet, he realized. Delahane would definitely move on now. He’d lost men. His goal had been sc

uppered. All was good.

“I’m not going home until you’re on your feet again,” Rowan insisted.

Beyond Rowan a door opened and a woman in a blue outfit entered the room. Behind her, a copper in black uniform looked in. Seeing him awake, the cop spoke into a walk-talky fixed to his lapel, and then followed the nurse in.

Sean sighed. Sleep was dragging him down, and he was ready to give in this time. He made one last push, beckoning Rowan closer. “Go home. Our baby girl needs you.”

A big fat tear rolled down her face, but she was smiling. “Pixie’s fine. I speak to her five times a day and she’s being loved and looked after. Right now, you need me.”

The nurse said something, then pressed the call button and checked a screen at his side. The policeman put his hand on Rowan’s shoulder, talking to her and drawing her away.

Sean kept his eyes on Rowan. “I always need you,” he said, hoping she caught his words.

Backing away as instructed, Rowan nodded at him and blew a kiss.

It was enough.

Sean locked the image into his heart and gave himself over to sleep.

Chapter Twenty-five

It was time.

Any minute now Sean would be back.

Rory had gone to bring him home in a taxi. He’d already texted to say they were on their way.