Chapter 28 – Cove
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Cove
Being trapped in a hospital bed with nurses coming in and out every hour or two isn’t my idea of a vacation.
Calling my family is an emotional roller coaster.
Ravvi spoke to them earlier, so luckily, they weren’t on a flight out here.
If I took much longer to let them know that I’m okay, I don’t think that was far off.
Lily tells me not to search my name or watch the videos fans got of the show tonight. I know she’s probably right—I don’t want to see that.
My messed-up head still thinks it’s the first thing I should do after hanging up the phone.
Ravvi unceremoniously pries the device from my hands under the guise of wanting me to rest and recuperate without staring at my phone screen.
That must mean it’s embarrassing.
Ravvi and Damian eventually leave to check out the suite we’ve been given. I would love it if all four of us could cuddle up in there together. I’m sure it has a nest. Unfortunately, I’m stuck here, but it’s not so bad.
Declan keeps me company into the early morning hours, even helping me to the bathroom and holding my hair back when I get pukey.
“I’m not sure how you can find me sexy after all of that.
” I groan, rinsing my mouth and spitting in the sink following my most recent bout of vomiting bile.
My hands fall to rest on the cool sink, and I grimace as the IV site on top of my hand pinches.
“I won’t blame you if you want to run. I’m sure this place has solid security. ”
If I were in better shape, I’d be really embarrassed that I peed in front of him. I have to take my IV pole with me every time I get out of bed, and I’m feeling unattractive and wimpy.
Declan growls, his hands tightening on my hips. “You’re not going to be sick forever, princess. If I were you, I’d be careful. Keep talking shit, and I’ll start keeping track of how many swats on the ass that I owe you.”
My eyes meet his in the mirror above the sink.
“I just…” I swallow around the lump in my throat. “Thank you for taking care of me.”
“It’s part of life. I’m sure, at some point, a man-flu will take me down for the count.
” He chuckles, kissing the side of my head.
“Thankfully Ravvi and Damian could sense how on edge I was. I know they would rather be here with you, but I would have had to fight them for it, if it came down to it.”
I don’t want them fighting over me. It is nice to hear Declan sound so adamant that he wants to be here, though. He helps me back to bed, and I snuggle against his chest, breathing him in. That beachy, salty scent of his immediately sets to work, soothing my frazzled instincts.
I could let my mind wander to what’s being said in the press, but honestly, I don’t want to know. I’ll deal with that when the time comes. For now, I want to be pampered and coddled. I’ll tackle the hard stuff when I’m back to full strength.
Declan stays with me until mid-morning, but he lets Damian take over so he can run out and grab our bags from the hotel.
I’m sure someone else on the Ruined Records security team could handle it.
I think Declan needs to move and stay busy or he’ll go crazy.
He was fine while he kept me company, but I don’t think he’d do well sitting around in the suite here at the omega center.
Damian’s tart blueberry scent is comforting, and he has this relaxing energy that makes me feel safe.
Not that Declan doesn’t. He’s just more focused and commanding, where Damian is all low-maintenance comfort. They both have their strengths, but Damian is who I would seek out if I was feeling crappy and wanted to spend the day binge-watching bad reality TV.
Declan would be more for those days when I want a workout buddy at the gym to help push me to my breaking point, and maybe even past it.
Ravvi is who I would go after if I wanted someone to talk and laugh with.
Damian runs his fingers through my hair, drawing me out of my thoughts. “Ravvi and I talked to our dad before I came in. I have some news. Hopefully it’s good.”
“Don’t leave me in suspense.” I smack his chest playfully.
“They’re not going to replace us,” he says. “My uncle Marcus and Oakley are going to fill in for us with the twins. Well, I guess all of Wicked Truths will be coming with them, but they’re going to blend with Riot and Creed. They’ll play a mix of our songs and theirs to keep us relevant.”
My eyes widen.
Wicked Truths was one of my favorite bands when I was growing up. Oakley Graves is incredibly talented. She’s going to put me to shame.
“The audience will certainly be getting an upgrade,” I say, trying to look for a positive. “Wicked Truths hasn’t performed live in like three years. The fans are going to lose their minds.”
“Hey, this is a good thing, right?” Damian’s chest starts to vibrate with a ragged purr. “I think it’s the best possible outcome. That way, we aren’t kicking off another band when we come back, and it gives Riot and Creed the opportunity to continue to perform.”
“You’re right. It’s a good thing,” I admit, running my fingers over the vibration echoing out of his chest. “I love that sound.”
“Mmm, good,” he says, sounding amused. “It’s a new thing. I swear I couldn’t do it before we started getting closer.”
“Well, I love it, so I’m selfishly glad you figured it out.”
He chuckles. “You know, Clover. I think I’m falling in love with you. It’s quick, but my chest gets warm and fuzzy when I see you. When I think about you during the day, I find myself smiling. That’s the beginning of falling in love, right?”
“Yeah, I think so, and same.”
He bends down, kissing my temple. “I know. I can feel it in the bond. It’s what made me realize what that feeling was.”
I smile like a total weirdo.
God, I love Damian’s honesty.
Damian swaps out with his brother after three or four hours. It’s nice to have one-on-one time with each of them, and it makes me even happier to see they’re sharing without argument.
If the emergency department rules weren’t so strict, I bet they would stay all the time.
Ravvi smells freshly showered, which deadens his electric scent, but I’m also a fan of the Irish Spring soap he’s so fond of. “How ya feeling, Clover?”
“Much better.” My words are the truth. “I mean, I feel stupid, but physically, I’m much better than I was.”
“Don’t beat yourself up. We have a game plan now, and we’ll be back to performing before you know it.”
“I hope so,” I admit, sighing. “I can’t go back to being stuck in small-town Maine. Six to seven months of nothing but snow every year. I’m surprised I didn’t lose my mind.”
“I know you love your family, but I can assure you, you’re not going back to living in Maine, at least not without us.
” Ravvi laughs. “We can visit, but we’re bonded now.
It feels like that should be a family decision.
As much as I like your family, in no way do I think it’s a good idea to buy a pack house close to them. ”
I grimace and snort. “Yeah, I don’t want my dads able to pop in without advanced notice.”
“Me either.” His eyes sparkle as he stares down at me. “You know, we haven’t even had the chance to court you properly. We’re going to have to rectify that.”
My head shakes. “None of you particularly wanted to come on tour. You did that for me. That alone feels like the best courting gift I could ask for.”
“We wanted to see you happy, but make no mistake—there will be gifts too.” He slides his hand down, cupping my ass, and my teeth dig into my lower lip.
I can’t even stretch up to kiss him. Not until Declan gets back with my toothbrush, but I’m actually excited about the prospect of relaxing in a fancy suite for a few days with my mates.
If everything goes according to plan, I might leave this place with an extra claiming bite.
Declan makes it back, and he brings burgers and fries. It’s probably dangerous to gorge on so much grease, but it really hits the spot.
Ravvi and Damian eat with us, but they head back upstairs to prevent getting the evil eye from the nurse.
She takes pity on me, allowing me to change out of the smelly hospital gown and into one of the pajama dresses Declan picked up.
She has to unhook my IV to make it happen, but I appreciate being able to change, even if she vetoed a shower.
“We were about to discontinue your fluids, anyway,” the older woman says. “So, I’m not going to hook you back up.”
“Does that mean you’ll take this thing out?” I ask, raising my hand to show her the IV site. It’s actually more like the top of my wrist, now that I study it.
“No, you’re keeping that in just in case the doctor decides you need more fluids or medications,” the nurse says, backing toward the door.
“We’re going to monitor you until tomorrow morning when Dr. Francis comes back in.
As long as you remain stable, we should release you then. If you need anything, hit the button.”
“Thank you,” Declan and I say in unison.
Once the door closes, it’s me and Declan alone again.