One Choice (Hogan Brothers 2)

He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into his side as he spoke. “He’s pissed at himself for worrying you. That’s all.”

Nodding her head, she asked him, “Can I go see him now?”

“Let’s go.” He grabbed her hand and dragged her to Levi’s room. “I’m going home to sleep. I’ll call Ma and Loch later, once he’s rested a bit. Make sure you call your folks as well.” He left before she could say a word.

Looking down to her hands, Hayes took a deep breath before quietly opening the door. “Get in here,” was slurred as she walked through.

“How’d you know it was me?” she asked softly, though a smile appeared on her face when she saw his eyes were alert. They no longer held that glassy tinge as when he’d left the ring the night before.

“Sugar, I’d know your scent anywhere.” He took a deep breath, cringing as his chest tightened. “Sweet sugar and sunshine.”

Walking over to him, she tried to sit in the chair next to his bed when he pulled her into him. “Levi,” she hissed, fearful he’d hurt himself.

“Up here, sweetheart.” His mumbled words were followed by his arms opening in invitation to her. Doing as he asked, she climbed up beside him, careful not to rattle him. “I’m not made of glass, Hayes.” He grumbled until she was in a position he was happy with.

“I’m sorry you didn’t get to tell your family, Levi.” It was eating at her that she had been the one to spill the beans.

“Sshh. It’ll work out.”

Nothing else was said as he fell asleep, and she followed soon after.

“Levi Steven Hogan!” Startled awake at his mother’s words and the use of his full name, he cringed when his ribs pulled. “What were you thinking? Fighting! I can’t believe you!”

“Ma. Tone it down, will ya?” Concussion or not, every time the nurses came in to wake him up, they always woke Hayes, too, and each time, she was looking more and more exhausted.

“I will not, boy. Twice my size or not, I’ll still put you over my knee!”

He snorted at her threat.

Loch walked in eyeing him up and down. He knew his baby brother was about to give him shit also. “You could have told me, Lev.” His voice was low, hurt, making Levi feel worse than he had for keeping such a huge secret.

“You guys wouldn’t have understood.”

Loch’s eyes met his, and he had to admit that maybe the younger man would have.

“It’s not about understanding, Levi. It’s about knowing what my children are up to.” His mother wasn’t paying attention to either of them as she continued her tirade.

“I know, Ma.”

She steamed right over him. “You made poor Hayes keep this secret, too, didn’t you?” Oh, she was pissed now.

“No, Ma, I didn’t. Can we do this later?”

A knock on the door came before she could answer him. “Hello.” The sound of Hayes’ father’s voice had him trying to sit up higher in the bed.

“Sir,” he greeted.

“How are you feeling, son?”

“Knocked around.” He had a hard time looking the man in the eyes. Knowing he’d put Hayes in danger by allowing her to go to his fight would be unforgivable for any father. Him included.

“She’s okay?” Eric asked him.

“Yes, sir.”

“You’re done now, right?” her mother, Andrea, asked him.

“Yes, ma’am.”