Page 108 of The Protection Agreement

“That’s expected, but how badly does it hurt on a scale of one to ten, with ten being the worst?”

“I’ll say a six.”

“Good, that we can work with. I’ll let the doctor know and bring your meds.”

“Thank you,” I say as she exits, and I keep watching Bruce, who is running his hand through his hair repeatedly. He looks angry from a distance.

“Don’t worry about him. Just get better. That will make him relax,” Ice quietly says.

“I will, but I can’t help but worry. He looks really upset.”

“Well, someone did try to kill or kidnap you, we can’t tell which yet, and we are in the hospital. So yeah, he’s upset. Let him handle it the best way he knows.”

“I’ll try. I hope Smith feels better too,” I say.

“They keep giving him meds to knock him out because he’s driving them crazy with talks of going home,” Ice says.

I chuckle.

Bruce returns. He looks like someone trying too hard to relax but failing.

I lift my hand to him. He takes it and leans in to kiss my temple, letting out a heavy sigh.

“I’m leaving here soon,” I whisper.

“Not soon enough, Jola,” he quietly says.

“They didn’t win, Mr. Darcy,” I say, trying to ease him.

“I know, and I’m thankful,” he says, just as the door opens and the nurse returns. Bruce pulls back to give her access to me.

“I have your meds. I’m going to add it to the IV fluid and you should feel it soon.”

“Thank you.”

“When will they run the next test?” Bruce asks.

“Once her pain level is lower. The meds should help with that, and I’ll check back in a few hours,” she says, then leaves. My eyes are already closing again.

“I’m falling asleep again, Bruce.”

“Go ahead. I’ll be right here,” he confirms.

“I love you, Bruce,” I whisper.

He smiles. “I know, sprinkles,” he says, as I drift off to sleep.

Chapter sixty-four

Bruce

Two days later, Jola is home, and I couldn’t be happier. She’s still a little tired, but she’s with me and safe. Chef is happy to welcome her home with a platter of food, and to the surprise of Ice and me, she nibbles instead of eating much.

“We must call Jonah tomorrow,” she says as I help her into bed.

“Yes, but right now I need you to rest,” I reply.

She nods.