“Zander’s building was evacuated, as well as Joey’s whole neighborhood. They have the bomb squad there now. So far, they haven’t found any devices.”
I nod, glad for that at least. “Anything else I need to know?”
“Actually, I think, since I have you in person, you can let me know a few things.” She grins now, smiling even bigger when she looks over to the paramedic who is working on strapping my now swollen ankle.
“Like what?”
“Was Declan as amazing in bed as you’d hoped? And please, spare me most of the details.”
I laugh then share how happy I am with Declan, not caring over the now red-faced paramedic. I keep talking, delighted for the lighter topic, until we arrive at the hospital. Then I am taken away for my scans.
***
Several tests, scans, and some sleep-inducing drugs later, I awake to find my room full of people.
Declan is at my side, my hand wrapped protectively in his. To my other side is Ava, holding a fidgeting Jensen, who is trying to eat her shirt, or at least drooling all over it. Behind her is Zander, who has his hand resting over his wife’s shoulder, as well as Van’s, who is seated next to her. At the end of the bed are Cynthia and Joey, both silently using their expressions and hand signals, disagreeing about something.
“You’re awake,” Declan says with relief clear in his voice.
Before I can answer him, he leans forward and gives me a quick kiss.
Ava stands then, handing Jensen to Zander before she pushes Declan away enough so she can give me a kiss on the cheek and stroke her hand over my hair.
“I’m so glad you are okay. You had us all so worried.”
“How long have I been out?” I sound groggy and take a sip of water when Declan places a glass and straw in front of my face.
“Just a few hours,” Ava answers tiredly.
“What about the others?” I ask, turning my head to face Declan so I get his answer.
“The driver is dead, but the others only have a few broken bones, concussions, and some cuts and bruising. Nothing life threatening, unfortunately. They’ll all be taken to jail as soon as they’re discharged from here. They already have been read their rights and arrested. With the evidence we have on them, no way will they be getting out of this.”
Relief hits me, yet part of me wishes they were more injured. I’m at least happy they won’t be getting away with what they did.
“Do you need anything? Are you in pain?” Declan asks before turning to look at Joey and Cynthia. “Grab a nurse, will you?”
“No, no.” I quickly pull on Declan’s hand until he glances back at me. “I’m okay.”
“Are you sure?”
I nod, wanting to know how this all happened rather than being given medication that will likely make me drowsy again. Then I will have to wait even longer for an explanation.
“How did you know where I was?”
“Jerry was able to trace ass-wipe’s cell phone,” Declan answers me, grazing his thumb over my wrist as he speaks. “We knew where you were the whole time, yet we weren’t able to get to you in time before they put you in the limo, but we were close. We decided to follow you and hoped to retrieve you once you stopped at your destination. We had the police en route, too. Then we heard …” Declan trails off, his grip tightening, and I see anger flash over him.
“Then we heard what was happening to you,” Zander takes over, “and realized we might not have time to wait for you to stop. We decided we needed to make that happen, so we charged the limo. We figured they would at least stop to see what damage was done. No way they’d figure out it would be us behind you. But then the idiotic driver overcorrected to stupid proportions—must have shoved his foot down on the accelerator—and hit the curb hard. It forced you guys to tip over and roll.”
Declan loosens his grip, his anger dissipating, and goes back to stroking my wrist with his thumb. “We were so fucking scared knowing you were in there. We thought …” He looks away now, and I tug at his hand to gain his attention back.
“I’m okay. A little sore, but alive. We got the bad guy, and now this is all over. We can go back to normal,” I tell him, and Joey clears his throat at that.
“I suppose we can sort of think having our offices blown up is normal,” he says on a grin while Zander scowls at him.
Oh, right, I forgot about that.
“We definitely have insurance for that, right?” Joey continues, glancing at Zander now.
“Yes, we are covered,” Zander growls. I bet he’s been asked that plenty of times already tonight.
“I think the better question now is: will anyone ever insure us again?” Cynthia speaks up.
“We could tell them the third insurance policy is the charm?” Joey suggests.
“Ooh! Tell them you’ll get a sniffer dog!” Van suggests, and I immediately warm up to that idea.
“You can adopt service dogs, so we could definitely do that,” Joey speaks up.
“We’re not getting a fucking sniffer dog!” Zander snaps, but already there is a rumble as everyone begins speaking to each other about this idea.
“Can we call him or her Boomer?” Van calls out over the chatter.
“We’re not—”
“No, how about C-4?” Joey suggests, cutting Zander off.
“Blaster!” I call out, getting into the spirit.
“Bombshell?” Ava suggests, which only earns her a glare from Zander.
“He or she will probably already have been given a name if we’re adopting—”
“Guys! That’s enough!” Zander snaps, and we all quieten down. “Now, I know this has been a crazy night, but how about we leave it here and pick this up tomorrow? Sasha needs her rest, and we clearly all need to leave if this is what the conversation is deteriorating to.”
There are nods of agreement, and I watch as everyone begins to move at once.
“We’re just glad you’re okay,” Ava says, grabbing my free hand and giving it a squeeze.
“Thanks. Me, too. Thanks for all you did today,” I say to everyone, my eyes finally resting on Declan.
“Right, we’ll see you tomorrow,” Joey states, coming over to me and leaning over Declan to give me a quick kiss on the cheek.
Cynthia is next, and then they both wave before leaving, already arguing. I hear the word nurse, so I assume they have a new person’s sexual orientation to argue over now.
“Rest up and call if you need anything.” Ava kisses my cheek again, and after a wave from Van, they move out, along with Jensen.
Then there is only Declan and Zander left. I assumed Declan would stay behind, but I’m surprised Zander is still here.
He looks uncomfortable standing by my bed, running his hand through his hair a few times before he scratches his neck then takes a deep breath.
“I know I messed up with you both, and I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have butted in like I did. I shouldn’t have judged what I didn’t know, and I shouldn’t have used my friendship with either of you to hold over your heads. You are both my family, and I want you both to be happy. Together, apart, as long as you are both happy, then I am with you guys one hundred percent. No way either of you are ever gonna get rid of me,” he tells us, his eyes taking us both in.
Though I didn’t realize this was still playing on my mind, I feel instant relief from his words.
“Thanks, man.” Declan stands, reaching over the bed to rest his hand over Zander’s shoulder.
“Sash?” he asks, looking as though he’s a man waiting for a verdict that could give him life in prison or freedom.
“I was disappointed about what happened, Zander, but we’re family. And just because we haven’t fought much before, it doesn’t mean this fight was the end. I accept your apology one hundred percent. If you feel as though I need a pay raise or whatever, then that is up to you,” I joke, and he snorts at my pathetic play.
“Yeah, right. You’re already paid too much,” he grumbles good-naturedly.
“I doubt you could find anyone else to be your work wife,” I counter.
He shakes his head, still smiling. “You are not my work wife.”
“I am, and while I would argue with you about this, it isn’t work hours, so I’ll leave the arguing to your home wife.” I grin up at him, beginning to grow tired.
“You’re hopeless,” he says on a sigh, but I know he reads me when he keeps talking. “I’m gonna let you get some rest. Gotta get my family back home, and likely have to answer to some annoyed neighbors who weren’t too happy about the bomb squad doing a search of the building. Try not to get into any trouble for a while, yeah?” he asks, looking specifically at me, which I find slightly offensive.
“Hey, I’m not the one who keeps stealing your car.”
He rolls his eyes at me. “I’m sure you encourage it.”
“No way. That is all on your wife.”
He shakes his head, a small smile playing at his lips.
I love this for him. He might put on a brave face and pretend Ava stealing his car is not cool, but deep down, he loves his wife so much that everything she does makes him happy.
I always wanted Zander to be happy. He’s always been our protector, our leader. He’s been so busy taking care of us that he often forgets about himself. Ava stealing his car was the best thing to ever happen to him, and to us all. I will always be grateful for that, and I know he is grateful for that, too. That is why he truly doesn’t care about her stealing his car, because it is a sharp reminder of how lucky he is.
“Whatever, just behave yourselves.” He leans down to give me a kiss, and after a slap on the back for Declan, he then leaves us alone.
“You would think we’re delinquents with how he talks,” I mutter, my eyes trying to close on their own accord.
“Pretty sure he was meaning us messing around in here,” Declan informs me as he sits back down beside my bed, reaching out to take hold of my hand again.
“Huh?” I mumble, too slow to figure out what he means.
“With cracked ribs and the trauma your body just went through, there is no way we are having sex for a while.”
“What?” I groan, cursing Bowen all over again. “Are you kidding me? Haven’t I been teased enough?”
“I think I proved I’m worth the wait.” Declan is giving me a cocky grin now.
“You can at the very least kiss me, right?”
“Well, you do have that cut on your lip, and I don’t want to hurt—”
“Declan!” I snap, then smile when he immediately leans over to kiss me.
It is long, sweet, and gentle. Maybe not an all-consuming kiss, but an incredible one all the same.
“There, better?”
I nod, still a little dazed, and then watch as Declan’s smile slowly vanishes.
“I was fucking worried about you, Sash. I’m so sorry about what I said to you. I knew you couldn’t have sent that, but …” He shakes his head, self-recrimination clear.
“I’m sorry Bowen shared that with everyone. That was personal, and I get why you jumped to the conclusion you did. I’m not mad at you for that, or for any reason, for that matter,” I rush to say, not willing to hold any grudges for my loved ones after I nearly died tonight.
“It still doesn’t excuse what—”
“Let’s just let it go, please? I want to put this behind us as quickly as possible,” I beg, forcing my eyes to stay open and on him so he knows I mean it.
He nods.
I just hope he isn’t going to worry about this alone.
“Have you spoken to the guys about what the message said?”
“No, we didn’t exactly have time. I don’t think they think it’s much of a big deal. It’s in the past, and Artie is dead now. But …” He exhales heavily. “I just don’t like betraying his trust like that.”
“You didn’t betray anything,” I rush to assure him. “Bowen did. So, let’s move on, yeah?”
“Yeah.”
“Is there anything else I need to know?”
“Your mom called Zander; said she saw what happened on the news and couldn’t get ahold of you.”
I groan, not wanting to speak to her now, or maybe not ever.
“Zander told her to give you some time, and that you’d call her when you were ready.”
“I don’t think I’ll ever be ready. I mean, she wanted me to be with Bowen. That man was insane. I might have been a little late to the party, but I saw his craziness after a couple days. She couldn’t see it, and while he has his millions, she never would have. What type of person thinks that way? What mother doesn’t listen to her daughter when she speaks? What mother doesn’t want her daughter to be happy? You make me happy, but it is only your bank account that matters to her,” I rant as I grow a little lightheaded. Perhaps long outbursts are better left for tomorrow when I feel better.
“My mother overdosed soon after I was born, so … not sure I have whatever answers you’re looking for,” Declan says quietly.
His words sober me a little, but not enough to tamper my anger at my mom. Maybe one day I will be able to stand her, but unless she can accept my life as it is, which Declan is firmly a part of, she can forget about me.
“When can I leave here?” I ask to change the subject.
“The doctor wants to hold you at least overnight, and then they’ll reassess again tomorrow.”
I nod, stopping immediately when it hurts. “How about you?”
“What about me?”
“Are you going home?”
“No way. I’m staying right beside you until you’re out of here. And then, to be honest, after this shit storm, I can’t promise I won’t stay right beside you for a while longer.”
I smile, finding myself relieved. “I’m okay with that.”
“Good, because it wouldn’t have mattered even if you weren’t.”
I snort. “It’s a good thing I like you. Otherwise, words like that would have been enough to get me interested in a Bridget Jones’s Diary movie marathon.”
His face immediately transforms into a grimace. “You wouldn’t dare!”
“Oh, I would.” I smile at him, and for a moment, we share a look of contentment, of happiness, of relief.
“So, what happens with us now?” I ask.
“Now you get better, we help Zander look for another office space, preferably one that is built like a bomb shelter, and we date and have lots of sex.”
I laugh at that.
“Okay, but I think we might have some issues finding an office space that fits that criteria.”
“And that is the only problem you foresee with what I suggested we do next?” he asks, watching me intently to see how honest my answer is.
“Well, I think you could throw in a few more gym sessions. I wouldn’t want you to forget how it feels to get knocked out by a girl.”
“Sash, I feel as though you knock me over every time I see you.”
“Nope!” I call out, smiling when he looks surprised by my rebuttal. “No cheese in our relationship. You want cheese on pizza? Fine. You want fancy cheese on a tray with fancy-ass crackers? Fine. But there will be no cheesy lines, got it?”
His face lights up, and I’m positive I have just signed up for a relationship full of cheese.
“That’s a shame.”
“Why?”
“Well, I wanted to share with you how happy I am that you made it out alive tonight, that you still have your sense of humor and …” He trails off, gently stroking a finger along my face.
“And what? All of that was fine. Cheese-free,” I assure him, smiling at him happily.
“And that you complete me. That I look into your eyes and see the world. That you are my other half—ahh!” He blocks his head as I throw the pillow at him, wincing when I shift my side.
“You idiot!” I laugh when he leans forward, stealing the pillow from me and shifting it back behind my head before he kisses me deeply.
“Glad I got you back
, Sash. So fucking glad.”
So am I.
Epilogue
2 years later…
“Where are all the men? Our women viewers need to see some viable men,” J snaps.
“Who cares about the viewers? What about us? We see the same boring ones day in and day out. If Declan didn’t come around, we’d have no one to notice,” Amara replies, her eyes on the jukebox that is currently playing a gentle melody, one that sounds like it’s from the thirties or forties.
All night, Amara has been eyeing the jukebox, and I have no idea why.
“What about us? What do we care about viable men?” J asks, getting her attention again.
“When is that jukebox going to play something interesting? This music is going to put me to sleep,” Amara demands, answering my thought before I have to ask.
“I think this music is rather sweet,” I say, earning a surprised glance from both women.
“What have you been smoking?” Amara drawls.
I have to laugh at that.
“You’re both just being cranky pants. Think your viewers want to see that?” I ask as they both direct their glares my way.
“No. What they want to see is for you to go over there and skip this damn song,” Amara snaps at me.
“Go get your man while you’re at it. If you’re not careful, Joyce will steal him away,” J suggests.
“After the movie he forced me to watch last night, she can have him,” I joke, leaving them to make my way to the jukebox. And I might allow myself to get waylaid along the way as I greet others and encourage a couple more to get up and dance. So, when the song ends, I look back and give Amara a shrug, as if I just didn’t make it in time to skip it along.
Unexpectedly, the next song to come on is more current, if you consider the late eighties current. And one I have heard far too often in the past two years.
It’s the theme song to The Naked Gun, a high trumpet beat that has been the bane of my existence. Declan has watched the trilogy so many times I can unfortunately quote a lot of it, though I often coax him into making out with me through them.
I Knocked Him Out (Love at First Crime Book 2) Page 27