His to Take (Wicked Lovers #9)(135)
Author: Shayla Black

“You’re just in shock and talking nonsense. You need one another,” Sean insisted. “Especially now.”

He jerked his head from side to side. “I don’t need anyone, and she’s better off without me.”

Emergency vehicles arrived then. The local sheriff stepped out of his car, gawking at the destruction as smoke rose high above the fire, painting the sky orange.

An EMT cleared a path to Bailey with a gurney. Another followed along, and the pair of them helped her onto the table. As FBI agents continued to bark questions, the medics forced them aside, taking her blood pressure as they inquired about her injuries. She pointed to her chest. Joaquin desperately wanted to know what had happened and how bad it was, but he’d be less crazy if he didn’t. Downshift, dismiss, divorce your mind.

It didn’t take long before they hoisted her into the ambulance and shut her inside. Joaquin flinched as they slammed the doors, then he steeled himself and turned away.

“Aren’t you going with her?” Sean asked incredulously.

Why? So he could worry himself into a panicked frenzy and ruin her life even more? She’d have a nice future without him. He’d check on her in a month or two—from a distance—make sure she hadn’t gotten pregnant. If she had, well . . . he had to find another job. He’d pay her whatever she wanted in child support promptly and like clockwork.

“How the hell do we get out of here?” he asked.

Sean shook his head, but managed to grab someone with keys. Together, they shoved Joaquin into the vehicle.

“I think you need to see a doctor,” Sean suggested. “You really are in shock.”

Yes, but not medically. This was the sort of shock from which he knew he’d never recover. “Not at all. I’m perfectly myself again.”

Sean shook his head and settled back in his seat, then directed his attention to the other agent. “Can you take us to the hospital?”

So he would see Bailey again, ache to hold her, worry himself sick, and fall a little more in love? No, thank you.

“On your way, drop me off someplace I can catch a fucking shuttle to the airport. I’m done.”

*   *   *

BAILEY woke in the hospital, her lashes fluttering open slowly. The room wasn’t big, just very white. The bland beige drapes had been closed against the dark of night. A blue privacy curtain cordoning off her area from the other empty bed in the room had been thrown back. She wasn’t alone.

Hunter, Kata, and Sean all hovered nearby, along with a man who looked like Hunter in twenty years. She didn’t see Joaquin.

She remembered instantly what had happened. The explosion still rang in her ears, jarred her bones. She remembered running down the dark tunnel, dirt crumbling in on her head. She’d been terrified that she’d be buried alive. She’d literally run into the end of the tunnel, fumbled around for a catch, then pushed a metal door out, relieved to see Joaquin waiting for her. She’d known then she would be all right. Curling up against his chest, she’d been sure she could set McKeevy and her past as Tatiana Aslanov to rest. That her world would finally be perfect.

“How are you feeling?” Kata asked.

Her head hurt a little. She felt somewhat groggy. But otherwise . . . “Fine.”

“Good.” Hunter jumped in. “We’ve been worried. Hell, my dad has never even met you and he’s been pacing.”

The older man smiled and introduced himself. “Sorry. Once a father, always a father—even if you’re not my kid.”

She smiled faintly. “I appreciate that. Where’s Joa—”

“The doctor has been to see you,” Kata cut in. “He says you’re in good shape. He was able to put a butterfly bandage on your foot. Your chest needed two stitches and you’ve got a bit of bruising, but otherwise, you’re okay.”

“I hope you don’t mind,” Hunter cut in sheepishly. “I lied and told him that you’re my sister so he’d update us on your medical.”

Some people might feel as if Hunter had invaded her privacy, but he’d been concerned. They all had. Bailey found it touching and didn’t mind at all. She just wanted to know where Joaquin was. In the bathroom? Getting coffee? Hurt?

That possibility washed her with panic. She tried to shove herself to a sitting position.

Caleb put a hand on her shoulder and eased her back down. “You can’t put too much pressure on those stitches, hon. Relax.”

“Okay.” She glanced around the room with a frown. “I’m just wondering, where’s—”

“The doctor will be around again to discharge you soon,” Kata assured her. “They gave you a mild sedative while they stitched you up. Apparently, you already had something heavier in your system?” She spoke the statement like a question.