Chapter 3
My hand rests lightly on Roman’s. I’m afraid to grip him too tight in case I wake him.
Doc gave both Bosses sedatives, along with oxygen therapy.
Roman’s foot is bandaged, and Doc checked to make sure there was no lasting damage from what that bitch did.
Gritting my teeth, I try to calm myself.
Doc issued us all strong warnings not to wake them, and I don’t need to be kicked out.
It’s a valid warning, as all I want is to wrap him in my arms and tell him how much I love him—how much he means to me.
Yet, there really are no words for it either.
It’s…unquantifiable. How do you explain to the man who carries your heart just how much life would cease to exist without him?
Romance has never been in my skill set. Fuck, I’m almost desperate enough to ask Lio for help.
Movement in the doorway catches my attention, drawing me away from my perusal of Roman.
Glancing over, I frown when I notice it’s Cristian.
He’s been checking in fairly frequently, like a fucking wraith, as he never says anything, just merely stands in the doorway.
His heartbroken stare would do more to move me if it weren’t for the fact my body still betrays me thanks to his handiwork, and the pain that he’s put Roman through.
He’s also ducked into Allesandro’s room from what the nurses murmur. My senses are on high alert about that. Those two men together led to the demise of everything I knew…although perhaps it’s more accurate to lay that blame at Leandro’s feet.
Marcus’s whispered warning of how much the kid means to Lio and Roman is the only thing keeping me even somewhat silent.
We don’t live in olden times, yet the fucker acts like an overlord.
I’d respect his game, and the chaos he’s sewn, if it weren’t for the fact Roman is laying in this hospital bed.
Footsteps fall, and I breathe easier knowing Cristian is leaving.
It’s not long before more come toward the door and I bite back my impatience.
When I turn my head, I almost breathe in relief.
Hollis slips in and I give him a small nod.
He’s been working his ass off on everything, and the fatigue is wearing heavily on his face.
I wish I could help unburden him, but his mastery of technology puts anything I can do to shame.
At least, having Roman and Lio back will help.
All of Roman’s lovers have needed him. He pulls us all together.
I lean back, slowly withdrawing my hand so that Hollis can step in.
I try not to roll my eyes at his surprise.
I’m not sure what Benjamin has told them about me, but fuck, I’m the last person who would try to impede Roman’s relationships.
I want him to have everything he desires.
Quietly, I ask, “How’s Tennant?”
If I thought I’d thrown him beforehand, it’s nothing compared to asking that simple question. I bite back any sarcastic retorts as I wait patiently for his response.
Sighing, Hollis replies, “Fine. Bullet just clipped him. Doc is making him stay still at the moment.”
“Uh, with three of his loves in different hospital rooms? Does Doc have a death wish I don’t know about?”
Hollis snorts and my face warms. I didn’t really mean to say that aloud.
Thankfully, he took it in his stride, as none of the Amatos seem to have a sense of humor when it comes to Doc—unless they’re the ones cursing him.
Considering how the Martellis—or, I suppose, the O’Connels now—feel about Sarah, I’d say that’s fair.
My brain stutters…fuck, this is what Carter was talking about. We’re no longer one side or another. It's going to take a while to get used to, especially if it means dealing with Leandro. Maybe Lio can rein in the Overlord…
“Please, make sure you get some rest,” I murmur as he takes a step back, turning toward the door to check on the other parts of his heart.
“I’d worry about yourself, Chaos.” Hollis’s voice is rough, but if he meant to snap at me, he failed. At my raised eyebrow, he makes a disgusted noise in the back of his throat. “Jayden won’t take it easy on you if you push yourself too hard.”
I suppress my shudder of want, but I don’t think I’m successful given the sudden narrowing of Hollis's eyes. Thankfully, he walks out without a word, and I breathe easier. Fuck. There are some things I don’t need him to know.
Instead, I continue my vigil over my love. The next time there’s movement, I glance over wearily. Sure enough, Jayden is there. Fuck.
“Princess, did I not make it clear that you’re to rest?”
The razor edge to him draws me in, but I fight it. I may want to get on my knees for him, but I won’t make it easy. My lips twist in frustration. “I’m sitting down. That is resting. I can’t leave him. Not right now.”
“Leave him be,” another voice interrupts, and I stare in shock as Tennant walks in, brushing against Jayden, who merely sneers.
“And who put you in charge? As is, your ass is going to be mine again soon.” Jayden pointedly stares at the bandage covering Tennant’s arm.
Tennant waves him off. “He’s not your pet. Not yet, at least. I’ll make sure he gets back to his room after Roman wakes up.”
With a huff, Jayden whirls around and stalks off. I almost feel sorry for whoever he’s going to put in their place next. It sounds like he may have some frustration to work off.
“Thank—”
“No. We’re not doing that. Just…sit and be quiet.”
I press my lips together to stop the laugh that wants to bubble out. Fuck, who knew Tennant was so much fun?
He doesn’t say anything else to me. The silence is surprisingly comfortable given our past. But, at the end of the day, we’re the same in many ways.
We fight for those we love. And we don’t walk away.
It’s not who we are. Perhaps he sees that in me—I see it in him.
I can even see why Roman fell in love with the man.
And fuck if that isn’t the weirdest sensation.
Eventually, he leaves to check on one of his other loves, and it’s only me keeping vigil, but I know it won’t be that way for long.
Truly, that is the miracle in all of this.
Roman…he’s brought us all together. And I can’t think of a better family to have than one bound by love rather than blind loyalty. He’s shown me that.
So even if it means dealing with the fucking Overlord or Cristian, I’ll give Roman my complete allegiance. Because at the end of the day, how can I not? A man with a heart like his is rare…and no matter what happens, I’ll stay by his side.
Now, I just need him to wake up, so I can wrap him in my arms and tell him that whatever journey is ahead of us, there’s nobody else I’d rather walk beside.