I woke up in the hospital hours later with an IV in my arm and an urge in my bladder. I sat up, and as I did, Gabriel jumped from the chair beside me and grabbed my arm. “Take it easy. They’ve got you plugged in.”
“I need the bathroom,” I said, my voice still rough from… I put my fingers to my neck and felt the welt that remained from the cord I’d had around it. “He tried to kill me, didn’t he?” I met Gabriel’s eyes and he looked away, his expression grim and angry.
“Yes, and I’m so, so sorry, Luna. I’m sorry I put you in that position.” He gripped my arm to steady me as he helped me to the bathroom and left me with my dignity. Once I was done, I called for his steady arm as he led me back to the bed.
“It’s not your fault. Besides, you saved me. You killed him, didn’t you?” His eyes ringed red, and I wished I hadn’t asked.
Surprisingly, he shook his head. “He’s down the hall in ICU barely hanging on. But I wanted to kill him. I hoped he’d die before they came for him. I begged Joe to let me finish it.” His eyes closed tight and tears of anger wet the corners.
I found it hard to believe that even if the man had hurt me that Gabriel would want to take another human’s life. He didn’t have the heart of a killer. “You did good, Gabriel. You saved my life; that’s all that matters.”
He tucked me under the covers and held my hand. “I’m never letting you out of my sight.”
I loved the sound of that. I hoped we’d never have to be apart again, too. “I just realized something.”
“What’s that?” He leaned down closer as my voice grew weaker from so much use.
“I got out of the house.” I flashed him a weary smile, but he didn’t laugh.
“Yeah, but not the way I’d have liked. It’s been a long time, but I promise I’ll take you anywhere you like. Name it.”
“Las Vegas?” I smiled so wide it hurt, and that time he did laugh.
“You must be feeling better. You’re making jokes.” He brushed his fingertips across my cheeks as I glanced around the hospital room.
“How long do I have to be here?” I worried it might be a while with the bouquet of flowers that decorated the table next to my bed.
“Until you’re ready to go home. You’re only here for observation.” I wondered if any of the other patients had a nice big room like mine. The thing looked more like a small apartment than a hospital room. Money couldn’t buy everything, but it could buy a lot.
“Did you call my father?” I hoped he had and wondered if he’d shown up to get me or if he’d been called.
“He’s downstairs. He said that someone from his congregation was admitted earlier today and while you were sleeping, he wanted to check in on them. Kim was here, too, but she had to go home. She said she’d call later and figure out where you are.” I hated that I’d made them all worry, but thankful that I had people who cared.
I wondered how my father had reacted. “Did you and Dad get into it?” I held my breath as my throat burned.
“I’m supposed to tell you that you need to be quiet, Luna. Your throat will be sore for a few days and your doctor wants you to take it easy and only talk when necessary.” He avoided my question.
“What happened?” I narrowed my eyes.
“Luna.”
“Gabriel?” I frowned and opened my mouth to speak and he put his finger over my lips.
“Fine, I’ll tell you, but it’s all better now so you have to promise me you won’t get upset or angry, and you won’t try to yell at either of us.” He tilted his head and waited for my promise.
I nodded and he smiled.
“When he showed up and saw you were injured, he took a swing at me. Joe had to pull him off and convince the cops not take him in. Once he saw you were okay and found out that I’d shot that asshole, your dad apologized and followed us to the hospital. I told him about us. That we decided to honor the marriage.”
My eyes widened. I held my throat and fought the urge to speak. I doubted he’d ever be okay with that. But Gabriel smiled and leaned in for a kiss.
He pulled back and met my eyes. “I already told you, it’s fine. He’s okay with it as long as we renew our vows, which I told him shouldn’t be a problem.”
I pulled him back to my lips for a long deep kiss that left him breathless and panting.
“I’m glad that doctor didn’t say anything about kissing. It’s the perfect way to keep you from talking.” He lowered himself to the chair and leaned his head against my arm.
“I’m so thankful you’re okay. I don’t know what I would have done if I’d gone up there and found you dead. I think that’s what he wanted. To sneak in and do it so it would be pinned on me, an open and shut case. Joe is trying to find out how he got in. He thinks he’d been in the house for hours.” He closed his eyes and I placed my hand on his head and stroked his hair. I wasn’t sure he’d had any sleep and so I tried to soothe him.