His Ballerina
She eases herself into bed beside me, avoiding my midsection, her head on my shoulder. “I’m so relieved you’re awake now. It’s been a long… God, I don’t even know how long it’s been. It’ll be dawn soon, I think.”
At least twelve hours, then. “What happened once we got here?”
“The doctor came and removed the bullet from your stomach. He gave you a bunch of drugs. Antibiotics and painkillers.” She strokes my forearm, and I realize there’s an IV there. “He said you should be okay. There was minimal damage. Is he your personal doctor?”
“If they called who I expected them to, yeah. We have him on retainer for situations like this, when we can’t go to the hospital.”
“Gotcha.”
“How are you, though?” I manage to twist my head around to kiss her. It’s worth the effort, even if the effort just about wipes me out. I lost a ton of blood. At the time, I thought it might be the end. That I wouldn’t survive losing that much. That Madison would have to watch me die.
That she wouldn’t have anybody to take care of her anymore.
“I’m fine. Tired, I admit. But you already pointed that out.”
I hear what’s under the joke she’s trying to make. “I’m sorry you had to see that. Experience it. I didn’t want you to ever have to go through that.”
“I know. It isn’t your fault.”
But it is. I should’ve known, should’ve predicted it. I let my guard down, and it might’ve gotten her killed.
It’s like she’s reading my mind. “Hey. Don’t you dare blame yourself. And don’t beat yourself up, like you let this happen, or you might’ve gotten me hurt. You weren’t the one who made the choice to follow us and wait for us out in that parking lot. You didn’t make the choice to shoot at me.”
“You’re right,” I whisper. “I made the choice to take that bullet.”
“You did.” There are tears in her eyes, in her voice. “Why did you do that?”
“It’s only what I already said I would do. Right? I meant it when I said I’d protect you. Do you believe me now?” I kiss her again, relishing the pressure of her mouth against mine. I was sure I would never feel it again, that the pure joy and satisfaction she brought my life was only meant to last a couple days before reality crashed in and took her away.
“I didn’t think you meant you’d literally step in front of me and take a bullet,” she whispers through her tears. “Why would I ever imagine that?”
“You don’t have to imagine now. Madison, I would die for you. I would even do that. You’re worth it. You’re worth the entire world, all of it. My life is only a small part of everything you deserve. And I plan on spending the rest of my life proving that to you. Giving you all the good things you deserve. Proving how much I love you.”
Her mouth falls open. “You love me?”
I touch her hair, letting it slide between my fingers. “What does a man have to do to prove he loves you?”
She lowers her chin and bites her lip. “I love you, too. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you didn’t live. I don’t think I’d want to live if you weren’t with me. Is that crazy? After only two days?”
“Baby, if it’s crazy, so be it. Because I feel the same way, and I’ve never been happier or surer of anything in my life. You’re it. You’re the only one for me, and I plan on spending every day for the rest of my life proving how much I love you. Devoting myself to what makes you happy. I want to see you smile. I want to hear you laugh and know I was the one who made you do it. I want you to have everything you want, everything you need. No matter what it is.”
“I only need you.” A yawn cuts her off, and she giggles. “Okay, and maybe some sleep.”
“Close your eyes, baby. Rest now. I’ll be fine, and we have the rest of our lives ahead of us. You don’t have a thing to be worried about.” When the weight of her head meets my shoulder, I think I must be the happiest man alive.
Weak, in pain, but the feeling stands. I’ve never known happiness like this. For a long time, I didn’t think I was worthy of this feeling—this sense of sureness, of peace. Knowing my heart found a place to land.
Knowing I have a purpose now. Madison. She is my purpose, from today forward.
I already can’t wait for tomorrow.
Epilogue
Madison
One Month Later
“Where are you taking me?” I poke Archer in the side, but he doesn’t flinch. The man might as well be made of steel.