Page 44 of Stay Little Fighter

I climb out of the car without another word and leave Damon to stew on everything I’ve said.

This is the first time he truly gets to choose something that he wants for himself. I just hope he chooses right.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

CHLOE

NOW

The next time I wake up, the pain hits me.

Every breath comes with a searing pain, as if my stomach is tearing open.

I drag my eyes open and meet golden orbs filled with concern.

“You in pain, Siren?” he murmurs.

The room is still dark, but the curtains are surrounded by a halo of light telling me I’ve been out for a while.

I nod.

Ryker reaches for the call button, squeezing my hand in his much larger one.

“Thank you.”

“Always, Chloe.” He presses a kiss to the back of my hand, the sweet gesture so at odds with the brutal man he is to the rest of the world.

I glance around the room, finding Ronan and Kingston asleep on the couch, their necks at angles I’m not envious of, but I’m glad they’re getting some rest. I know them both well enough to know they wouldn’t have slept at all while I was missing, and my need to take care of them is as strong as theirs to care for me.

But it’s the body on the far side of the room that makes me pause.

Damon’s icy gaze meets mine from the shadows, his entire body tense as he stares back at me.

“He came up a few hours ago,” Ryker whispers.

I want to call out to him. I want him to be as close as the others. But the fact he’s here at all is enough for now.

The rest can wait.

The same nurse as earlier hustles into the room, not giving any of my guys a glance as she approaches the bed.

“How are you feeling, Chloe?”

“The pain has officially arrived.” I mean it to come out lighthearted, but even speaking makes my stomach feel like it’s about to come apart.

“You’re due for some pain meds now, and then I’d like to see if we can get you up on your feet, even just to take a few steps.”

Ryker’s hand squeezes mine tighter. “Is that a good idea if she’s in so much pain?”

She nods, a soft smile on her lips. “It’s best we get her up as soon as possible to avoid more pain later on. It’ll hurt in the beginning, but I promise it’s better in the long run.”

“I’m happy to try,” I reply before he can argue any further.

He’s a lot of things, but he’s not a medical professional, and the sooner I’m up and about, the sooner I can go home.

The thought makes my chest ache because not for the first time, I don’t really have a home.

Not a physical one at least.