Delicate Ink

by Carrie Ann Ryan

  Leif’s lower lip wobbled. “What happened?”

  “I don’t know. They wouldn’t tell me. I’m heading there now to see her.” He picked up his phone. “I’ll call Meghan to come and pick you up or I’ll drop you off.”

  “No. I want to see Sierra too. Don’t leave me.”

  Austin sucked in a breath then awkwardly patted Leif’s shoulder. “Okay then. We’ll go.” There was no way he could deal with even hands-free calling with Leif in the back seat. He was too shaky as it was. “Grab what you need and let’s go.”

  Leif scrambled off the chair and ran to the back of the house while Austin ran a hand over his hair. The doctor or nurse or whatever had refused to tell him what was going on. He got the legalities of that, but shit, couldn’t they have given him a clue?

  Austin grabbed his wallet and phone, texting Wes quickly and telling him to meet him with the family at the hospital. It seemed like a better deal than calling and having to talk to people. He ended the text with “don’t call” since he would be driving.

  Wes texted back right away saying he’d be there with the crew.

  That was the Montgomerys. There, no matter what.

  Leif ran back out with a Kindle in his hands and his shoes on his feet.

  “What’s with the Kindle?” Austin asked as he went into the garage, Leif on his trail.

  “It’s Sierra’s. She was reading it and left it here last night.”

  Austin swallowed hard, nodding. That kid loved Sierra so much; that much was clear. God, she had to be okay. She had to.

  He drove as fast as he could without endangering his precious cargo and made it to the hospital, parking in the lot and running toward the emergency room, gripping Leif’s hand so he wouldn’t lose him. Jesus, his life had changed so much since Sierra had first walked into the shop. He couldn’t lose it all in one fell swoop.

  When he got to the front desk, he was shaking alongside Leif. “I’m looking for Sierra Elder.”

  The woman nodded then raised a brow. “Are you family?”

  “She’s my family,” he said instantly. It was true, just not legal. “I’m Austin Montgomery. You guys called me.”

  She nodded again then started clicking on the computer. “You’re clear to come in.” She looked down at Leif. “I’m afraid he isn’t.”

  He knew the woman was just doing her job, but holy hell, he wanted to push past her. “This is my son. He’s coming with me. Tell me where Sierra is.”

  “Don’t get a nasty tone with me, young man. I’m only following the law.”

  “Judy, I can handle this,” a man in a white coat said as he walked toward them. Judy huffed then went back to her computer.

  “Where’s Sierra?”

  “I’m Dr. Michaels, Sierra’s doctor.” He held out a hand, and Austin impatiently shook it. “Sierra gave us permission to tell you her condition in person, and since he is your son, you’re both welcome to come on back.”

  Austin glared at Judy then walked beside Dr. Michaels. Leif gripped his hand hard, and he pulled him closer.

  “What happened?” he asked.

  “She was involved in a hit and run accident. The other car hit the driver’s side, but in the back rather than the front. The impact jarred her, and she had a few cuts and bruises and a mild concussion. However, since she wasn’t moving, and the other car wasn’t going that fast, the airbags were enough to keep her from serious harm.”

  Austin froze, clenching his free fist. “But she’s going to be okay?”

  The doctor nodded. “Yes. She’s very lucky.”

  “And you said it was a hit and run? Did they find the bastard that did this?”

  He nodded. “Yes. It was a woman. Apparently, she is the mother of Sierra’s late fiancé. That’s all I know, but you’ll be able to talk to Sierra right away. She’s a little tired, but other than that, she should be fine.”

  Fuck. Marsha had done this? And just where was Todd? Holy fuck, that family was insane.

  “She’s right in there, Mr. Montgomery.”

  Austin nodded absently as Dr. Michaels walked away.

  “She’s really okay?” Leif asked, his voice small.

  Austin took a deep breath then looked down at his son.

  “That’s what the doctor says. Let’s go see.” His entire world was on his arm and in that room. He knew that. It was like a shock to the system. He didn’t know what he’d do without her. God, he loved her so fucking much, and it scared him. He wasn’t supposed to love someone this much. He didn’t know if he could bear to lose her. He had his mind on his son and his father, two major life changes recently, and now he had the love of his life in a hospital bed.

  It was just too goddamn much.

  He took a step into the room and froze. Sierra lay on the bed, her hair tangled around her. Her eyes were open but turned the other way. She had cuts and bruises on her face and arms and he was sure in other places that were hidden by the hospital gown.

  “Sierra,” Leif said through tears then ran to her side. He stopped right at the edge of the bed, his hand out but not moving closer, as if afraid to touch her.

  She turned toward him, a small smile on her face. “Hey, big guy.”

  “Are you okay?” Leif asked softly.

  “Yeah, just a little banged up. I get to go home tomorrow. Don’t be scared, okay, honey?”

  Leif cried then, lowering his head to the side of her bed. “Okay,” he whispered through tears.

  Austin choked back his own tears. He hadn’t moved from his spot near the door, not knowing if he could walk closer. The love of his life was helpless in that bed, and yet he couldn’t stop thinking about what could have happened if the car had been moving faster or if it had hit her at another angle.

  He’d almost lost one of the most precious things in the world, and he hadn’t been there.

  What kind of man was he?

  Sierra ran a hand over Leif’s back, murmuring to him. She met Austin’s gaze, and what he found there scared him.

  There wasn’t love in those eyes.

  No, they were blank.

  Nothing.

  “Austin.”

  He turned on his heel to see Maya and Jake in the doorway, Maya’s eyes wide. “I’m here. It took sneaking in, but we’re here.” Her gaze moved to Sierra. “Hey you. How are you?”

  Sierra looked stricken, and he didn’t know what to do.

  “I’m fine,” the love of his life croaked. “Do you think you can take Leif out of the room for a moment? I need to talk to Austin.”

  Maya gave him a look then took a sniffling Leif toward the door. Before he walked away completely, he ran a hand over his son’s hair then sighed as he was left alone in the room with Sierra.

  “Baby, I’m so sorry this happened.”

  Sierra raised her chin, tears filling her eyes. “Me too. Marsha can’t hurt me anymore though.”

  “That’s not the point. You almost died, and I wasn’t there.”

  “No, you weren’t. But you weren’t supposed to be.”

  Something slashed across his heart, and he moved toward her, needing her touch.

  She held out a hand. “You and Leif could have easily been in that car. My past could have killed you. I can’t let that happen. Marsha might be in jail, but Todd is still out there. I can’t put you in danger. It’s all too much, and I can’t do this anymore. I shouldn't have taken a chance because it hurts. It hurts so much, Austin. Just get out. Please. Just please go. I don't know what to do and having you here...it messes me up. I love you, Austin, but I can't do it.”

  The first time she said she loved him and she was pushing him away. Pushing him away, and yet he wasn’t fighting back.

  Why wasn’t he fighting back?

  “Sierra…”

  “Go, Austin. Please.”

  “I’m not leaving.”

  “Yes. Yes you are. We aren’t a good fit, and you know it. You need to be with your father and son, and I can’t deal with it all. It�
��s not safe, and it’s not enough. Just leave me alone.”

  He nodded then turned away, leaving her broken and bruised in her room. Why wasn’t he staying? Why wasn’t he saying anything? He knew he’d fallen for her too hard, too fast, but fuck, why was he leaving?

  He was a fucking coward, but he was letting her push him away. He made his way toward the waiting room where Maya and Jake sat with Leif. His sister raised a brow, and he shook his head. He couldn’t deal with the questions right then. His world was falling down around him, and he let it. He needed to take a step back and think. He couldn’t do that with people crowding him.

  “We’re heading home. Sierra needs rest.” The words were hollow, and the questions in Maya’s eyes made him want to scream.

  “Why can’t we stay?” Leif asked.

  “Because we need to go,” Austin said as he ran a hand over his face.

  “Can we come tomorrow?”

  “I don’t think so, buddy.”

  Maya gasped, and Austin held back a curse.

  “Why not?”

  “We just need to go, okay?” He would have raised his voice, but he couldn’t come up with the energy.

  “Austin,” Maya whispered.

  “Not now, okay?”

  He took Leif’s hand and left his woman in the hospital. She’d begged him, but he hadn’t fought hard enough.

  Why?

  That’s all Austin could say.

  Why?

  Chapter Twenty-five

  Austin needed a drink. It had been less than two days since he’d made the biggest mistake of his life and walked out of Sierra’s hospital room. She’d told him to go, and he’d listened. Since when did he do exactly what she told him to?

  It was the other way. At least in the bedroom. He was her Dominant. Her support. And yet he’d failed her. Holy fuck how he’d failed her.

  He’d let her set the rules and hadn’t taken care of her like he should have. What kind of man did that make him?

  She’d been scared. Terrified. Just as he was. And he’d walked away. There was no amount of groveling that could make up for that, but he had to find a way.

  “Dad?”

  Austin froze then turned around to see Leif standing behind him, a frown on his face. He wanted to jump up and throw his arms around his son at the sound of Dad from the little boy’s lips, but he refrained. He wouldn’t make a big deal out of it; he’d let Leif think this was normal and okay, rather than shouting to the rooftops like he wanted to.

  “Yeah, Leif?”

  “When are we going to go get Sierra?”

  Austin crouched down so he was at Leif’s eye level. “You want me to get Sierra?”

  Leif rolled his eyes. “Of course I do. She’s our family. I know my mom isn’t coming back, but you’re my dad. You’re family. And since you both love each other, you should be together. I don’t know if I’ll ever call her mom, but she takes care of me. You know? She loves me, and I love her. I don’t want her to leave. I want to make sure she’s okay. Can you do that? Can you make sure she knows she can come home? Just fix it. Okay?”

  Out of the mouth of babes.

  Austin cupped his son’s head. “I’ll bring her home, Leif. Do you want her to stay here forever? Is that what you have in mind?” He and Leif were a unit now. He couldn’t make a decision that big without him.

  “Just marry her, already. Okay? I like her a lot. She’s pretty, and she smells nice.”

  “That’s true.” Marriage? Yeah. He was ready for that. He’d been ready but hadn’t been able to think past his own worries to actually see it. “I just hope she takes me back.”

  Leif put his hand on Austin’s beard. “She will. She loves you. Old people are just scared sometimes about saying it. It’s okay. I’ll help.”

  Austin let the old people comment pass and swallowed hard. “I love you, Leif. You’re my son, and I’m so happy you’re in my life.”

  Leif smiled. “I love you too, Dad. Now go get Sierra.”

  Austin crushed Leif to him, inhaling that little boy scent. Only he wasn’t so little anymore. “I’ll drop you off at Maya’s. She and Jake are having an Xbox tournament.”

  “Sounds good to me. I’m packed already.” He blushed, and Austin raised a brow. “Aunt Maya is ready for me. She said some curse words about you getting your butt in gear.”

  He chuckled then messed up Leif’s hair. “Your Aunt Maya needs to watch her language around you.”

  “That’s what she said about you.”

  “True. Okay, let’s get going.”

  “So you can bring Sierra back.”

  “I hope.”

  By the time he left Leif at Maya’s house, darkness had settled over the mountains, and he sat in his car in front of Sierra’s apartment. He never should have let her get her way. He should have fought harder.

  Fuck. He didn’t know what to say, but staying out in his car while people walking by stared at him wasn’t the way to go about it. He got out of his car, made his way to her door, and knocked softly. He heard her shuffle to the door, and then she opened it.

  She stood there, her hair in a ponytail, her eyes full of sadness. Bruises marred her arms and legs, and he sucked in a breath.

  “Oh, baby, I’m so sorry you’re hurt.”

  Sierra took a step back, and he walked in. She closed the door behind him, and he put his hands in his pockets. He wanted to hold her close and never let her go. Right then he didn’t think that was the best thing for either of them. They needed to talk first.

  “Why are you here, Austin?” Sierra asked, her voice weary.

  “I love you, Sierra. I love you more than my next breath. I need you in my life. I never should have let you push me away. I was so fucking scared that you got hurt, and then I was more worried about how my own life was changing rather than dealing with what was in front of me. I never should have left. You’re my everything. I want you in my life, Sierra. I want you to grow old with me. Help me raise Leif. I want to marry you and have you take my name. I want to have babies with you and watch them grow up. I want to see you in my family and have you by my side as we deal with my father’s illness. You are my future, and I should have seen that clearer. Don’t leave me. Don’t let me leave. Don’t force me out. I love you. Please. Please let me stay.”

  Sierra’s cheeks were wet with tears even as she shook her head. His body felt like he’d been slammed into a wall, and he took two steps toward her. He cupped her face, brushing her lips with his own.

  “I love you Sierra. Whatever happens with Todd in the future will happen with me by your side. You don’t need to fear for me. You don’t need to fear for Leif. We’re not letting you go.”

  Sierra hiccupped a sob. “They found Todd. He’d killed himself, Austin. It’s over.”

  Stunned, Austin blinked. “You’re safe?”

  She nodded, sobbing into him. “Safe, but not whole. I shouldn’t have pushed you away, but I was so scared.”

  “I was scared too. So scared, I let you push me away. We don’t get to do that again, Sierra. We’re in it for the rest of our lives. I want you to marry me. I want you in my life, and I want you to be mine in the bedroom. I want you to trust me with your heart, your body, and your soul. I never want to ask you again to kneel for me because I want you to do it on your own. I want you to trust me with every fiber of your being to care for you and nurture what we have until it grows into what I know it promises to be.”

  “Oh, Austin.”

  “Marry me, Sierra.”

  “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.”

  He crushed his mouth to hers, knowing this was the first taste of their forever. His hand went to her hair, and she winced.

  “Fuck. You’re too hurt for what I want to do to you, baby.” He narrowed his eyes. “I want to kill them for hurting you, Legs.”

  She cupped his face, and he leaned into her touch. “It’s over, Austin. And while tonight we might not be able to go fully into some things, we can make love. We
can do it softly.”

  His cock pressed against her belly, and he groaned. “Softly,” he whispered.

  She led him to the bedroom, and he slowly stripped her down, kissing each bruise and cut as he did so. He sucked her nipples, letting the peaks harden on his tongue, before kissing down her belly to her cunt. When he laid her down on the bed, she tangled her fingers in his hair so he could taste her.

  Her sweet taste burst on his tongue as he licked her pussy, lapping up her juices. She moaned, rocking herself onto his face.

  “Stay still,” he ordered, and she froze. The fact she did so without complaint made him want to push into her right then, filling her with his cock.

  Not until she came.

  “Austin.” She gasped as he pumped two fingers into her. Her channel clamped around them, and he flicked her clit. Her head hit the bed as she came, and he kept licking until she came down from her peak.

  He pulled away, stripping quickly, before hovering over her body. “You ready for me, Legs?”

  “Of course,” she said, her voice thick like honey. “I’m always ready for you.”

  “Good,” he answered as he entered her slowly, his gaze never leaving her eyes. He made love to her slowly, not wanting to hurt her. The sweet ache of her body wrapped around him as he thrust in and out of her made him want to scream her name to the heavens. After they came together, their bodies slick with sweat, he rolled to the side, keeping her with him and his cock still deep within her.

  “I love you, Sierra Elder.”

  “I love you too, Austin Montgomery.”

  Austin sighed happily. He’d found his future, his life, his woman. No matter what came next he knew he could handle it with Sierra by his side. He was one lucky bastard, and he’d count his lucky stars until the day he died.

  Sierra Elder was his.

  Finally.

  ****

  Sierra winced as Austin wiped down the area on her side again, the slow buzz of the needle grating. Apparently it was only when the needle was tattooing others that she thought it was sexy. The daisies Austin was inking on her side freaking hurt. Well, not the daisies, but the freaking needle piercing into her skin.