Chapter 20
20
A s much as Jordan had thought she didn’t want Rhys with her at the hospital, she did. The way he had faced down her team without batting an eye had so many emotions coursing through her. He would be willing to go through seven stubborn men to get to be at her side.
She needed him.
“Move over,” Rhys said gruffly.
She carefully slid over to make more room for him. Rhys’s big figure made it tough. He still had on his gear, but she didn’t care. She needed him with her. His presence was already calming her down.
The conversation with the team had been a tough one. She had laid everything out on the table for the guys. She didn’t have time to go over every little detail of what had happened in Atlanta, but she’d given them the CliffsNotes to bring them up to speed on the situation with Bravon. When it came to Bravon demanding she bring him the SWAT team, the air in the room had shifted.
“He wants us, he knows where he can find us,” Mac growled.
“He can come see me any day.” Myles snorted.
The former Army Ranger held a deadly glint in his eyes as the words left his lips. It had left Jordan happy that she was on their good side. Each of the men standing in the room were deadly in their own right.
Her news of Bravon wanting Mac and her team hadn’t gone over too well. Jordan knew her team. If possible, they would leave right now and go on the hunt for Bravon.
“But I refused. I will not give him what he wants,” Jordan said. She looked each of them in the eye. They meant the world to her. This was her newfound family that she would lay down her life for. “He wants me. I’ll —”
“Don’t even say anything stupid, Knight.” Iker stalked over to the bed and leaned down to be eye level with her. His blond hair was slicked back away from his face from tunneling his fingers through the thick strands. “Did you forget we are a fucking team? That means we don’t do anything without the other.”
“That’s right.” Zain came to stand behind Iker. He laid a hand on Iker’s shoulder. “Only this fucker is allowed to do stupid shit. You’re not allowed to.”
Chuckles went around, breaking up the tension. Jordan relaxed and smiled. She didn’t know what she would ever do without these guys. She balled her hand into a fist and gently tapped it on Iker’s chin. Her friend may be smiling, but she saw the seriousness in his gaze. These men had her back.
They were her true brothers.
“So why wasn’t I called when you were brought in to the emergency room?” Rhys’s drawl broke through Jordan’s thoughts.
She blinked and came back to the present. She turned to him and rested her head on his arm. She slid her hand along it until she could entwine her fingers with his.
“I didn’t know if Bravon’s men would come here to finish off the job. I didn’t want you anywhere near this place,” she murmured.
With her SWAT brothers out there, no one would be coming near her. They had already come up with a schedule to have one of them stay with her at all times.
“And you didn’t think I could make that decision for myself?” he said.
She shook her head and sighed.
“It’s not that, Rhys. All my life I have been a protector. I feel as if I was born to do this, and it was like second nature to want to keep you out of harm’s way. You have Nova at home waiting for you. She needs her father.”
Rhys exhaled loudly. He reached over and tipped her chin up to force her to meet his gaze. Jordan loved how soft and gentle he could be with her. He never saw her as a cop first, then a woman. For Rhys, she was all woman who was a cop, and she appreciated that. There were times when she needed to be held and cuddled. She wasn’t a tough chick all the time.
“Woman, I’m close to putting you over my damn knee. Stop thinking for me. I’ve been doing it for forty-five years, and there’s only one time in my life where I didn’t make a good decision,” he said gruffly.
She smirked, already knowing what he was insinuating. His marriage to Sara Beth. She would have to agree. One minute in that woman’s presence, and Jordan could not see what Rhys had ever seen in her.
Hell, she wasn’t even that cute.
“I’m sorry,” she replied. It was all she could say, but she hadn’t lied.
She had been used to being the protector her entire life. From the moment her parents had brought Omara home from the hospital, Jordan had looked out for her younger sister. When Omara was five years old and had come home crying because a boy had taken her quarter she had found at the park, Jordan had marched up there and beat the kid up and got Omara’s money back. When the mean girls in middle school were talking shit about her, it was Jordan who’d gone and straightened them out.
She had spent her life watching out for those she loved and she wasn’t going to stop doing it now.
“I love you,” she said softly. She held back a grimace as she straightened in the bed. The pain medication the nurse had given her had worn off. She hadn’t even thought about calling for more when the guys were in the room. They had been deep in discussion, and she’d ignored the pain. Now it was setting in again.
“What is it?” Rhys frowned. He sat forward and turned to her slightly. The man didn’t miss anything when it came to her.
“Pain,” she admitted. It had taken a lot for her to share that she had been hurting. But she would have to admit it wasn’t often she got tossed around in her police vehicle while it flipped over. She grimaced and sat forward.
“Want me to call for the nurse?” Rhys asked. He reached over her while speaking and snagged the call button.
Jordan nodded, knowing that when the nurse arrived she would have the good stuff.
Honor lifted her head from where she lay on the floor near them. She looked to Jordan to see if she would get the invitation to join her again on the bed. Jordan smiled at the pup. Honor whined to voice her displeasure at Jordan.
“Sorry, girl,” Jordan mouthed to her.
Honor lowered her head again and huffed. The dog sure knew she could have an attitude. Jordan didn’t know where the pup got it from. She leaned back against the pillows while Rhys stood. He turned and sat back down and faced her with worry lining his face.
“I’m okay.” She took his hand in hers.
“You’re doing it again,” Rhys muttered. He rubbed the back of her hand with his free one. “I’m supposed to be reassuring you.”
“My bad. Hold on.” Jordan rested her other hand on her forehead and groaned. This had to be an Oscar-award-winning performance. “Oh, the pain.”
“You are an ass, you know that, don’t you?” Rhys snickered.
Jordan smiled through the pain and was truly happy he was there. A few moments later, the nurse, Neveah, stuck her head inside the doorway.
“Did you need something, Miss Knight?” Neveah asked.
“Can I have something for pain? It’s killing me,” Jordan admitted.
Rhys’s frown returned as he watched her. It was obvious he didn’t like seeing her this way, but he didn’t say a word.
“I believe you can. Let me double-check.” Neveah ambled into the room and went over to the computer near the bed. She typed out a few commands and pulled up a screen. She eyed it for a moment before nodding. “Yup. I can do your pain meds. I’ll be right back.”
Neveah exited with the promise that it wouldn’t take her long to return.
“Tell me. What happened?” Rhys asked. His voice was low and filled with a slight edge. A muscle in his jaw ticked.
She had hoped he wouldn’t inquire about the accident—attempt on her life.
“I thought it was going to be a simple stop. An SUV blew though a red light in front of me. I figured I had no choice but to go after them, pull them over, issue a ticket, and then I’d be free and clear to return to the station and clock out,” Jordan began. She and Rhys had made plans for after work. It was one of the few shifts where they were scheduled the same. Whenever it happened, it made it easy for them to plan things.
Neveah reentered the room. Jordan paused her story so the nurse could administer her the medication. Neveah was swift with it. Before long, Jordan was resting back against the pillows with the good stuff flowing through her veins.
Jordan grinned and began to tell the story again. Rhys’s eyes narrowed on her.
“Are you high?” he asked.
“Yup.” Jordan giggled. She was slightly high, but the pain was dissipating. It was a win-win situation for her.
He shook his head at her, but she didn’t miss the small smile that formed on his lips.
“Where was it hurting?” he asked.
“Everywhere.” Her smile disappeared. She wiped her eyes with her palms. What was she doing again? Oh, yeah. She was telling Rhys what had happened before that fucking truck slammed into her patrol car. “Anyway, as I was saying. I thought I was going to give that fucker a few tickets.”
“My sister must be feeling better if she’s cursing,” a familiar voice announced from the doorway.
Jordan hadn’t even heard it open. Neveah must not have shut it completely when she’d left. Omara stood there looking overly pregnant. Jason was with her, his eyes wide as he took in the room.
“Baby sister,” Jordan exclaimed. She grinned and pointed to Omara.
Her sister’s eyebrows rose high. She stared at Jordan as if she had grown tentacles from her body.
“It’s the pain medication the nurse just gave her,” Rhys explained.
“I see,” Omara murmured. She took Jason by the hand and guided him into the room. Her focus fell on Rhys, and a smirk appeared. She waddled in with an outstretched hand. “You must be the secret boyfriend.”
Rhys grinned and stood. He met Omara halfway and took her hand.
“Yes, ma’am,” he replied.
“Yup, that’s my man,” Jordan announced. The world tilted to the side for moment. She jerked in the bed and looked around. How the hell did everything move but the people in front of her? “Wow. Did y’all feel that?”
“Whatever they gave her, they need to keep it coming.” Omara snickered. She smiled at Rhys and motioned to her boy. “This is my son, Jason. Say hi, babe.”
“We’ve met before, Momma,” Jason said. He shook Rhys’s outstretched hand.
Jordan was still amazed how much her nephew had grown. It seemed just like yesterday he was a tiny babe crying for someone to pick him up. Jason was almost the same height as her sister. He stood tall while shaking Rhys’s hand.
“You have?” Omara’s eyes flicked to Jordan for a moment before she rested her hands on Jason’s shoulders. She kissed his forehead when he stepped back toward her.
“He was there that night. Him and his dog helped capture my dad,” he said.
Jordan’s smile disappeared. She hadn’t realized her nephew would remember. Not that it was long ago, but because a ton of shit had gone down that night. The scene had been utter chaos with the capture of a parental kidnapper. The entire force had wanted to ensure Jordan’s nephew had made it home safe.
“He’s right,” Rhys said. He tapped the side of his leg with his hand. “Honor, come.”
Honor stood and trotted over to her handler. Her tail wagged as she arrived to Rhys’s side. She gave a doggy grin to greet Omara and Jason. She sat and waited for Rhys’s next command
“You can pet her,” Rhys said.
Jason laughed and didn’t hesitate to run his hand along the top of Honor’s head. The dog loved attention, and she adored children. She yipped and pushed her head into Jason’s chest as if to demand more. Everyone laughed at her antics.
“She’s so pretty,” Jason murmured. He wrapped his arms around Honor’s neck and hugged her. “Thank you for saving me, Honor.”
Jordan froze, her high swiftly exiting her system. Her nephew straightened and patted Honor one last time on the head. Jordan quickly blinked, not sure when her sight became blurred with tears. For the boy to consider what they did to be ‘saving him’ from his father…deep. Derrick Allen would forever be a deadbeat father. Jason was truly growing up. According to Omara, the kid saw through his father’s facade and didn’t complain when Derrick missed his supervised visitation.
“Oh, wow. I guess we never did meet the other officers who had helped save my baby,” Omara said. She grabbed Rhys into a fierce hug.
Jordan was unable to resist the floodgate. Her tears fell to her cheeks. She couldn’t remember the last time she had cried so much in her life. First it was at Rhys’s farm when she had spilled her guts about what had happened in Atlanta, now today.
What the hell?
“You don’t have to thank us. It’s our job to protect,” Rhys muttered. He returned the hug before stepping back from Omara.
Jordan sniffed and tried to make herself appear normal.
“Nonsense.” Omara ran a hand over her stomach. She turned to Jordan and grinned. “Now I see why you wanted to keep him all to yourself.”
“Here we go.” Jordan groaned. She rolled her eyes and returned her sister’s smile. She tucked her hair behind her ear. Her gaze landed on her nephew who had sat on the floor with Honor. She couldn’t make the inappropriate joke she wanted to with him in the room. She’d have to save that for another day. “Let’s just say, I have my reasons.”
Rhys smirked and motioned for Omara to take the chair that was still near the bed. He came around to the other side and sat on the edge of the bed.
“I’m sure you do,” Omara breathed. She lowered herself into the chair and dropped her purse on the floor. Her eyes twinkled with mischief. “We are going to have to have a little chat later.”
Rhys chuckled for a second before falling into a full-blown laugh. Jordan winked at her sister. She wouldn’t be sharing too much with Omara. Some things a girl had to keep to herself. Plus she didn’t want to hear about Zain’s performance.
She had to work with the man.
“On a serious note, we should call the parents,” Omara said.
Jordan sighed. Whenever they referred to their parents as ‘the parents,’ it was serious. Her sister was right, but they didn’t have to do it at this moment. They could call once she was at home. She didn’t think they were going to keep her too much longer in the hospital. Nothing was broken, and all of her scans were clear. If they called their parents, they would rush to be with her.
“I should be discharged. We can call them later. I’m just banged up.” Jordan didn’t want to have to hear her mother complain about her job or her father suggest she find something safer to do as a policewoman. Not that they didn’t support her career choice. Her family had been her biggest cheerleaders. It was just that they all worried about her when she was on the job. They understood how dangerous it could be.
“Jordan,” Omara warned.
“I promise. I’ll even let you call them so that you can make sure they are notified,” Jordan joked.
Omara eyed her for a second before seeming to be satisfied with the option of her doing the calling. She settled back in the chair and rested her hand on her stomach. A little bit of envy appeared inside Jordan as she watched Omara slowly rub her protruding belly.
“Fine, and I will tell them everything.”
“I’m sure you will.”
“Did they get the bad guys who did this, Auntie?” Jason asked from his spot on the floor. Honor’s head rested on his lap while he leaned against the wall.
“No, little man.” Jordan shook her head. Unfortunately, by the time the other squad cars had arrived, the vehicles who had hit her were speeding off. One of the cars pursued them while the other came to her rescue. “But that doesn’t mean we won’t find them. They can only run for so long.”
Jordan already couldn’t wait to get back out on the streets. They had the descriptions of the vehicles, and she was sure the force was already out there searching for them. Attacking a police officer was serious offense and wasn’t taken lightly. These assholes had just moved up to the top of every policeman and policewoman’s shit list.
“Did you get a look at them at least?” Omara asked.
Jordan shook her head. Unfortunately, she hadn’t, but she wasn’t going to let on to Omara that it had been a hit and she knew who had sent them.
“I’m confident it will all get taken care of,” Jordan said dryly.
Omara stared at her for a second.
“I’m not sure I like the way you said that.” Omara’s voice dropped low. She narrowed her gaze on Jordan. She knew Jordan as well as her SWAT brothers did.
“Whatever are you talking about?” Jordan batted her eyes and tried her best to appear innocent.
Omara folded her arms and rested them on her belly. She tilted her head to the side and arched an eyebrow. It was eerie how much Omara looked liked their mother at the moment. Irene Knight didn’t take any crap from her daughters, and Omara’s expression was the exact image of Irene.
“It doesn’t have to do with the current state of your bedroom, does it?” Omara said.
Jordan bit back a gasp. She had forgotten she had given her sister a spare key to her place should she ever want to drop by. Jordan had kept putting off going back to her house. Seeing the vandalized room would remind her of that night at the park.
Jordan glanced over at Rhys who stood from his seat and motioned to Jason and Honor.
“Why don’t we see what’s good in the cafeteria, buddy,” Rhys said.
Honor and Jason jumped up from the floor.
“Do you think they have ice cream?” Jason asked.
“We sure can see.” Rhys paused by the door and looked to Omara for approval. She smiled at Rhys and nodded.
Jason bounced on the balls of his heels with excitement.
“All right, bud. Let’s go see what they have. I can go for a strong cup of coffee.”
Rhys shut the door behind them, leaving them alone.
“Look, there are some things going on,” Jordan began. She didn’t even know where to start with explaining everything to Omara. She wasn’t going to like the fact that Zain was going to put her on lockdown. That, Jordan would leave to Zain to explain. They didn’t want to take any chances on Bravon putting his sights on Omara or Jason.
“Obviously.” Omara snorted.
“I don’t want to go into details right now.” Jordan reached up and tucked loose strands of hair behind her ear. She winced from lifting her arm. The muscles around her ribs were sore and tight. She exhaled slowly and repositioned herself. “But all I am going to say is that I was involved with someone in Atlanta who was a bad guy. When I found out, I helped put him in jail, and now he’s out trying to get revenge.”
Omara’s eyes went wide, fear settling in.
“So this was an attempt on your life? They were purposely trying to kill you?” Omara shrieked. She stood from her chair and paced the room.
If their conversation wasn’t serious, Jordan would joke about the way she was waddling around. Omara turned back to her and made her way to the side of the bed. She lowered herself to the edge and took Jordan’s hand.
“I can’t lose you, sis,” Omara hiccuped. Big fat tears slid down her face.
Jordan’s eyes became scratchy as she stared into Omara’s. They had been close their entire lives, and Jordan had only ever known true fear when Jason had been abducted by his father. Living with the fear that Bravon would take members of her family out for what she had done terrified her. Jordan’s eyes blurred. She blinked, and the first tear fell.
Jordan reached for her. She wrapped her arms around Omara as best as she could. Omara squeezed her tight, almost cutting off her air supply, but Jordan welcomed it.
“You are not going to lose me,” Jordan whispered. She closed her eyes and breathed in her light perfume. It was the same one she’d worn for years. Jordan would recognize it anywhere. “I promise you won’t. Me and the guys will deal with it.”
Omara sat back and wiped her face with her hands. She sniffed and stared down at her hands that now rested on her thighs. Jordan used the front of her gown to dry her face.
“You’ve always been there for me, Jordan. You fought my battles. You are a true example of what it is to be a strong woman. I’ve always looked up to you and been envious of your strength.” She reached out and took Jordan’s hand.
Jordan squeezed Omara’s. There wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for her.
“That was my job as your older sister.” Jordan smiled. She tried to joke to lighten the tension.
Omara didn’t crack a smile. She stared at Jordan for a few seconds, before a small smile ghosted her lips.
“I’m glad you have Zain and the guys to help you. It means the world to me that you have someone who can help fight your battles,” Omara said softly.
“You’re damn right she does.”
Jordan’s gaze flew to the door. Zain leaned against the doorjamb. He combed his fingers through his hair. He was dressed in a t-shirt, jeans, and boots. He had eyes for Omara only. Omara attempted to push off the bed. Zain flew across the small room and arrived at her side. He was gentle with her, and it was evident he was in love with her. His eyes gave it all away.
“I could have done it,” Omara muttered.
She stood to her full height, but it wasn’t missed by Jordan how Omara leaned into Zain anyway. He wrapped an arm around her waist and held her close.
“Sure you could have,” he replied. He stared over at Jordan who had to hold back a smirk. He glanced around. “Where is Jason?”
“He’s with Rhys. We needed to have a sister-to-sister talk,” Omara said.
Zain nodded then kissed the top of Omara’s head.
Omara turned her attention to Jordan. “Have you been staying with Rhys?’
“I have. I just can’t go back to my house right now. I feel so violated that someone ransacked my room. They went through my things, you know. Put their dirty hands on my undies and shit that were in my dresser,” Jordan said. She grimaced just thinking about whatever henchmen Bravon had sent to her house going through her personals.
“We are going to come up with a plan. This will all be over with soon,” Zain said.
Jordan was confident it would be. Once she was out of the hospital, they would figure out what to do.
“In the meanwhile, I’m going to take you and Jason home.”
“But what if she needs a ride?” Omara said.
“Babe, she has a ride.” Zain grinned and looked over at Jordan.
She bit back a groan. She recognized the twinkle in his eyes. She was going to hear it about her and Rhys. She was sure they were all going to come with jokes.
But that was okay.
She’d dished enough of them out. She would be able to take it.
“Yes, I’m going to go with Rhys,” Jordan said.
Omara came back to Jordan and gave her another hug. They laughed at how awkward it was with her belly in the way.
Jordan ran a hand along it. “Take care of your momma.”
“Ugh.” Omara rolled her eyes. She went back to Zain and took his hand. “If only the baby listened to someone. Summersaults are all he or she knows.”
“So you still don’t know what you are having?” Jordan raised an eyebrow. She was dying to know if she was going to have another nephew or a niece. She secretly hoped it was a girl. That way she could teach her all of the things that Omara hadn’t wanted to learn as a kid. Jordan would love to have a butt-kicking niece to hang out with.
“It’s in an envelope at home. We were going to wait until a special moment to open it together,” Omara said.
“So on the day you give birth?” Jordan snickered. She couldn’t help but joke. It all seemed silly to her. She’d want to know immediately so she could be prepared. The image of a little baby boy with Rhys’s eyes and her nose came to mind. She bit back a sigh. That was a daydream for another day.
“Mom, they had an ice cream truck outside.” Jason came barreling through the door. Ice cream was smeared on his chin and a smudge was on his cheek. He came to a halt holding a small bowl and spoon.
“I can see.” Omara laughed. She rubbed him on top of his head. “Tell Auntie goodbye. We are going to let her rest.”
Jordan tore her eyes off Rhys. Jason promptly handed his ice cream bowl to his mother and sped over to her.
“Bye, Auntie,” Jason said. He threw himself at her.
She held back a wince of pain. There was no way she was not going to get a hug from her nephew. Her arm could be falling off and she’d still try to wrap him up in a hug. This little boy meant everything to her. She squeezed him and peppered kisses all along his face. “Okay!”
“You watch out for your momma and Zain, you hear?” Jordan said.
He stepped back, wiping her kisses from his skin. He grinned at her.
“Yup.” He turned back and went over to his parents.
It was then Jordan noticed they had more company. Mac and Declan stood posed in the doorway, waiting to enter. Zain gave her a nod before ushering his family from the room. Rhys made his way over to her and took the seat Omara had abandoned. Honor took advantage of Rhys’s attention on Jordan and hopped up on the bed with her. The large German Shepherd laid across her feet.
Mac and Declan came in and shut the door behind them. Jordan focused on them. The two of them wore the same blank expressions.
Fuck.
They had news from the captain. She was probably going to be put on light duty or some crazy shit. Jordan didn’t want to hear that. She was going to argue that she was well enough to work. Now, if the doctor wanted to prescribe her some of the good stuff they were putting in her IV, but in a pill form, then she would be right as rain.
Jordan glanced over at Rhys for a second. It was calming to have Rhys there beside her. There didn’t need to be any words between them at the moment. Just having him there made her feel ten times better.
“Honor,” Rhys called out.
Jordan held up her hand. She actually liked the feeling of the dog with her. It gave her an extra sense of security knowing that Honor was there protecting her. Rhys met her eyes then nodded.
“What did Spook say?” Jordan wasn’t going to beat around the bush. If both of her sergeants were coming into the room without the rest of the team, then they had heard from the boss.
“You’re on official medical leave,” Mac replied. He came to stand at the foot of the bed and folded his arms.
“What?” Jordan gasped. She sat forward in disbelief. Medical leave? For what? She didn’t need to be on medical. Sure, she had a few bumps and bruises, but she was fine. She could work through the pain. “Why?”
“Are you going to seriously ask that?” Declan snorted. He ran his hand along his jawline, settling his gaze on her. It softened slightly, but it was apparent he was in sergeant mode and not the friend/brother role. “You could have fucking died, Knight.”
“But I didn’t,” she snapped. She could walk, talk, and she sure as shit could still fire a gun. There was no reason she had to be on leave. She would fight this. “This is bull?—”
“Jordan…” Rhys’s low murmur cut her off.
She settled back and tried not to pout. This was so unfair. If she were a man, she’d bet she wouldn’t be put on leave. A desk job for a few days?—
“And don’t go thinking it’s because you are a woman,” Mac growled. He narrowed his hardened eyes on her.
Jordan gave an audible sigh to make sure they could all hear how unhappy she was. She wanted to scream and curse, but she wouldn’t want to scare any of the other patients in the emergency room.
“How’d you know that’s what I was thinking?” She eyed Mac.
It was crazy how the son of bitch had such a second sense about him. That was what made him a good leader. They all followed him without question.
“It was written on your face,” he replied. He stared at her for a moment and shook his head. “You know Spook and all of us have more respect for you than to assume you can’t do something because you are a woman.”
Jordan softened, and guilt filled her. She glanced down at her hands. He was right. Her entire team respected her, and they never had shown anything but that. Especially Spook. The captain may be a hard-nosed ass, but he was always fair. He was someone she could go to with issues and he would hear her out.
“How long?” Jordan didn’t even look up. This might as well be a jail sentence for her. She almost didn’t want to hear what the response was going to be.
“Two weeks. Paid leave,” Declan answered.
“Two weeks! What the hell am I supposed to do?” Her gaze flew to Mac and then Declan. A warm hand landed on her arm. She turned to Rhys who had a crooked grin on his lips.
“Well, there are farm chores that always need to be done.”
Mac and Declan chuckled. She cut her glare to them. Their smiles faded once she met their eyes, but neither of them took back the punishment. They of all people knew how much it sucked to be away from the force. Who was going to keep the guys in line while she was gone?
Jordan sighed and fell back on the pillows. She knew she was being dramatic, but dammit, policing was all she knew and was good at. Rhys’s hand slid down her arm and took her hand in his. She glanced down at it and took in their entwined fingers. She tightened her grip on his hand.
It had been a while since she’d had any type of vacation. Maybe she would look at staying on the farm as a getaway. Anything to curb the sense of chasing down a bad guy and throwing handcuffs on him.
She could do this.