Chapter 52
FIFTY-TWO
The curtains are ripped open, and I blink at the sunlight with a wince, waking abruptly. I’m wrapped in Noah’s arms, his legs thrown over me as well, as if he’s worried I would leave while he slept. Groaning, he buries his face into my neck as I blink at the woman who finally comes into sight.
I gape. “Grandma?”
Her grin widens as she hurries toward the bed. “Morning, kiddos. I brought breakfast.” Noah sits up, blinking blearily even as he holds me still.
“Grandma?”
“Oh my boy, look what they did to you. Give me their name and I’ll kick their ass,” she says as she grabs his cheeks and turns his head carefully to inspect the injury.
Sitting up straighter, I try to slip away, but Noah’s arm drapes over my shoulder and pulls me back.
He rests his chin on my shoulder as he pouts at her.
She chuckles as I rub my eyes. “Grandma, what are you doing here?”
“Noah’s father called me,” she snaps, pointing at me. “You should have. Now, tell me what’s been happening, but first, you need to eat and drink to get healthy. We have created a schedule. I will be here during the day, your dad at night.”
“Oh, you don’t need to be here all day,” Noah starts.
“Boy, do not argue with me right now,” she warns, and Noah’s eyes widen.
“Now eat.” She lays out a full breakfast spread on the table and wheels it to us.
“I’m going to get coffee. It’s too early for me to be sparkly brilliant tits without it.
When I get back, I want to see this food all gone or I will force-feed you.
” She bounds from the room, and I blink down at the food, feeling awkward.
Things are still weird between Noah and me. I’m still hurt and angry at him, but I can’t deny I still love him, and with him holding me like this, it’s easy to forget.
“My head hurts. Can you feed me?” he whines.
“Your hands are fine,” I dismiss as I try to move away.
“I’m sick.” I stiffen, glaring at him, but his eyes are big and he’s pouting. “You need to take care of me.”
I know he’s doing it on purpose, but he looks so cute right now. His hair sticks up all over, and he has a pillow crease on his cheek. He’s cute as hell and he knows it.
“You aren’t playing fair,” I growl.
“When it comes to you? I don’t plan to, baby. Your grandma’s food looks good.”
Sighing, I turn around and grab one of the plates she uncovered.
I add some toast and fruit before offering a bite of egg.
Leaning in, he swallows the egg, humming as he pulls back.
He eats every bite like that, and when I grab some melon with my fingers, he wraps his hand around my wrist, tugs it closer, and sucks the fruit from my hold.
“Noah,” I warn, but he grins as he chews before his tongue darts out and licks the juice from my fingers.
“Delicious. I mean you,” he flirts.
“Unbelievable,” I grumble even as my cheeks heat.
Bad Mackie. Remember, you’re mad. Don’t get distracted by his dick.
“Don’t let us interrupt you,” someone drawls, and I spin to see the doorway full of visitors.
Alek, Evan, Sky, Bones, Noah’s dad, my grandma, and Conan huddle on the threshold. Conan shakes his head, but he looks relieved. Alek is covering Evan’s eyes, who’s peeking through his fingers, and Sky is wiggling his eyebrows at me.
“Noah,” I snap, smacking his side. He simply grins, having seen them. His arm wraps around me again, dragging me to his chest as he sighs.
“Don’t stop on our account. I’ve always wondered who would be top—” Sky groans as Bones smacks him. “What? Angel, that’s mean. Now my head hurts.”
“Does it actually?” Bones asks, and Skylar nods. Bones sighs before pulling him close and kissing it. “Better?”
“Stop it, all of you,” my grandma chides as she bustles into the room and starts making the bed with us in it. “It isn’t fair to show off how much dick you’re getting when I’m getting none.”
“Same. Wait, I didn’t mean that.” Noah’s dad blushes.
“Grandma,” I groan, even as Skylar laughs, skipping into the room and hugging her.
“I can find you some dick if you want. How do you feel about a super-rich boy toy?”
“Skylar,” I admonish. He and my grandma get along well, but I don’t need that image in my head.
“I like them younger, dear. Means they can keep up without little pills.” She pats his hand. “I packed you food as well. Figured if Mackie was here, then you would be too.”
“Thank you!” He kisses her cheek before taking the bag from her outstretched hand and dragging Bones down onto his lap as he dives in.
Alek and Evan head our way, hand in hand, with Conan at their side.
I try to sit up and scoot away, feeling weird, but Noah won’t let me, like he’s determined to keep me as close as possible.
“How are you feeling?” Alek asks stoically, but I see the worry in his eyes.
“I’m okay,” Noah replies despite the act he just pulled with me. “Thanks, man. The garage—”
“It’s fine. Don’t think about work,” Alek tells him before sharing a look with Evan. “We heard about your condition.”
“Does everyone know?” Noah mutters, and I can tell he’s uncomfortable.
“These are your friends,” I snap at him. “They have a right to know. They are worried. Don’t be an ass. You’re already in trouble.”
“Sorry, baby.” He sighs, tugging me closer. “It’s weird knowing everyone is aware.”
“You should have told us,” Alek states, drawing our gazes. “We’re family, aren’t we?”
I feel Noah swallow as he stares at Alek. We all know how seriously Alek takes family. “We are.”
“Family doesn’t keep secrets, not like this. Next time, I’ll kick your ass,” Alek warns before turning away and heading to Skylar to steal some food.
Evan smiles at us, patting my arm. “He means we’re glad you’re okay.” He follows Alek, and Conan steps forward.
“I’m glad you two are sorting it out,” he murmurs as he takes my hand, uncaring that Noah is right there.
“I’m still mad,” I admit, knowing everyone is listening, “but he knows that.”
“I made some calls,” Noah’s dad says as he sits on the other side of the bed. “Apparently, the best doctor is already on your case. Your friend is some sort of genius.”
“I tried to tell you,” Noah mutters.
“Yes, well, I’ve given him free rein. He’ll be here later to check on you. He was quite . . . unwilling to listen to my demands though. He’s an odd one. He said he didn’t become a doctor for the money, but for the cool jacket.”
I smile, and Noah sighs.
“He’s good, just a little weird,” Noah says. “I’ve agreed to have the surgery when they give me the go-ahead.”
“That’s good to hear!” We all turn to see Henry in the doorway. “I was going to pull your boyfriend aside today and give him some tips on how to convince you . . . with his mouth.” He winks as my grandma cackles.
“I like him. He’s cute,” she whispers loudly.
“I like my women older too.” He winks at her before focusing on us. “I have your latest scan. You need to heal before we can perform surgery.”
“I want to wait,” Noah begins, and I turn my glare on him. “Not forever, baby, don’t give me that look. Just until this season is over.”
“Noah,” I warn.
Henry sighs. “You know the risks, but we need your brain to heal anyway. How long?”
“Hopefully until the championship,” Noah replies. “I want to see you win, baby. I want to see you on that podium, even if it’s the last thing I see.”
How the fuck can I argue with that?
“Fine, but if you need it before, then you get it, understand?” I demand, pointing in his face.
He captures my finger and kisses my hand. “Whatever you say, baby.”
“I should have just spoken to cutie here months ago,” Henry complains. “Fine, let me come up with a treatment plan. Rest, I mean it.” He points at me. “I don’t care if you have to strap him down. Do it, he’d probably like it.”
He leaves while the rest of us gape in shock. “Is he single?” Grandma asks, making me groan, even as Noah laughs.
“You would destroy him, Grandma,” he teases, “but I’ll ask.”
“He is cute,” Bones murmurs, and my eyes swing to Skylar, who appears heartbroken at his side. He covers his chest as he dramatically falls back.
“You think he was cute? Cuter than me?” he whines. Bones simply sighs and carries on eating. “Angel, answer me. Don’t make me ruin that pretty face of his.”
“You just called him pretty,” Evan points out helpfully.
“Shut up, Evan,” Skylar warns. “Angel!”
“Don’t tell my boy to shut up,” Alek snaps.
“Is it always like this?” Noah’s dad asks, and I nod.
“Pretty much. Usually, Skylar ends up fighting someone or threatening things until Bones makes him stop.” I shrug.
“I see,” Mr. Fletcher replies. “I think I should have brought popcorn.”
I smile, and we all watch as Bones ignores a whining Skylar until he gets up to go after the doctor. “Sit down,” Bones orders without sparing him a look. Instantly, Sky sits, and Bones pats his arm without looking. “Good boy.”
“I’m a good boy,” he says dreamily as he nudges Alek. “Hear that?”
“Don’t make me hit you,” Alek warns, but it does nothing to stop Sky’s dreamy smile, all while Bones continues eating.
“Your friends are cute.” Conan grins at my side.
We all turn around when we hear shouting. “Darling—”
“Don’t you darling me!” a cultured voice snaps, and I spy a man in a suit in the hallway, where he whirls around in anger. His gray hair catches the light, and I swear I see the prettiest face I’ve ever seen before a huge guy drops to his knees in front of him.
“Zia,” he whines. “Please, you don’t need to hunt him down. I can deal with it myself. It was just a little punch between friends—”
“I’m going to gut him for touching what is mine, and if you try to stop me again, you can sleep outside all week,” the gray-haired man warns before spinning on a high heel and marching away.
The man on his knees scrambles up and chases after him, calling the entire time.
Our room is silent as we watch.
“I guess I’m not the only one in the doghouse,” Noah teases, making me grin before I swallow it and glare at him. “Love you,” he says.