Chapter 30
Chapter Thirty
Morning sunlight slanted through the hospital blinds. I lounged back, remote in hand, flipping through channels until the local news caught my eye.
The anchor’s voice was smooth, almost bored, as she reported an explosion that had flattened part of a block.
The camera panned over charred wreckage, flashing to a shot of police tape and shell-shocked bystanders.
No survivors. Gang-on-gang violence, the reporter explained.
The house was a known hangout for the dangerous street gang called the Jackals that had plagued Houston over the past few months.
I smirked, muted the TV, and settled deeper into my pillow. Fuse worked fast.
The door swung open, and Merrick strode in, his expression unreadable as always. He glanced at the TV, then at me. I grinned. “Morning, boss. You catch the news?”
He nodded, pulling up a chair. “Looks like the problem took care of itself.”
“Miraculous,” I deadpanned.
Merrick leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “Thank you. For saving Kenna.”
I waved him off. “She’s family. What else was I going to do? But you'd better make things official with her soon, before I try to win her over again.”
Merrick growled. “Like hell you will. She agreed to be my old lady. It’s official. I already moved her in with me. Her cut should be here soon.”
I chuckled. “You move fast.”
Merrick cracked a rare smile. “Life’s short. I’ll wife her up as soon as she’ll let me.”
Before I could rib him more, Merci breezed in wearing her white coat, clipboard in hand.
“Morning, troublemakers.” She checked my vitals, her touch brisk but gentle.
“You’re looking better. I might let you out of here soon—if you promise to take it easy.
No throwing yourself in front of stray bullets or bike accidents for at least a month. ”
I shot her a grin. “No promises, doc.”
She rolled her eyes and turned to Merrick. “I like Kenna. I expect a double date soon. I want to get to know the woman who’s melted the ice around your heart.”
“We’ll see,” Merrick gruffed.
I piped up. “Can I be the fifth wheel on this date?”
Merci shot me a look. “Maybe you should stop whoring around and settle down.”
I clutched my chest in mock offense. “I tried! But Merrick stole her instead.”
Merrick snorted. “You never stood a chance.”
Merci laughed, shaking her head. “Let me see what I can do about getting you discharged.”
I winked at her. “Admit it. You’ll miss me.”
She sighed, but her smile was real. “Yeah. I’m sure I will.”
As she left, Merrick and I lapsed into comfortable silence, the morning news still flickering on mute. For the first time in a long time, everything felt right. Kenna was safe and happy. And if I had to take a bullet for that? Well, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.