Harrison groans beside me. When I peek at him, he subtly rolls his eyes. The last thing I want to do right now is argue.
“It happened outside a liquor store,” says Lawson. “It could have happened to her no matter where she was sleeping.”
“She wouldn’t have beenby herself,” Dad bites back.
I close my eyes and let out a heavy breath.
“When do you get to leave?” asks Harrison.
“Tomorrow or the following day, Milly said.”
“You’ll be coming home with me, where you can get round-the-clock care during the day,” Dad grumbles.
“No, she isn’t.” Viper raises his voice.
“And you think I’m going to allow you to take care of her?” Dad counters with savage bitterness.
Viper sits up straighter in his chair, his defiant stare aimed at Dad. “I’m capable of looking after her. I’m her husband—she stays with me.”
My stomach is doing somersaults at the thought of returning to the clubhouse. When Dad finds out, I don’t want to think of what he’ll do to the club. But I refuse to stay with Dad. He’ll lecture me about Viper and the club.
I rub the side of my head. I sense the movement of the needle and the cord connected to it. “You’re stressing me out,” I say loudly.
All eyes land on me. There’s a moment of silence before Lawson says, “We’ll get going then.”
“I’m glad you’re okay, sis,” says Harrison. Then he cringes. “Even though you look terrible.”
I try to swat him, but I’m too slow and he’s out of reach. He chuckles as he moves to the door. Alec follows, but Dad stays put.
“Dad,” Lawson says, a sliver of warning in his tone.
“I’ll be back tomorrow,” Dad says.
I look him over. He looks tired. I give him a nod, then he leaves.
Viper waits a moment, his eyes on the door. He walks over, closes it, and then comes back. He bends over, bringing his lips to mine in a quick but loving kiss. His adoring but sad gaze makes my heart flutter.
“Lie down with me?” I ask, needing his body against mine.
“I’ll get the bed.” He peers off to the side where the visitor’s bed is.
“No, I want you here next to me.” I shuffle over. At the sharp pain in my ribs, I try my best to keep my face passive.
He frowns, then shakes his head. “No, I don’t want to hurt you.”
“Please.”I need him.
His resolve weakens at the desperation in my voice. He gives me a wary stare before he sits. The bed dips under his weight. He lies on his side, and I curl into him. His coconut-and-lime scent sweeps over me. His body against mine soothes me.
“Candy and the people who hurt you are leaving town, so you’ll never have to see them again.”
Just the mention of her name has me stiffening in his hold. He gently puts his arm around me and rubs my back. “I’m so sorry.” His voice is a whisper, but I can hear the pain in his tone.
I want to tell him it’s not his fault, but I’m so tired I’m no longer able to keep my eye open, so I close it and fall back asleep.
* * *
A woman greetsus as she brings my breakfast to me on a tray. The smell wafts through the room, making my stomach growl. Viper must have moved the other bed beside me. He’s giving me a small sleepy smile. His eyes have dark circles under them, like he didn’t sleep well.
