I interrupt her. I know the worst thing that could happen would be for her train of thought to go down that path. “Nothing is going to happen to him,” I tell her, and I hope and pray I’m saying the right thing.
I want to ask her what happened, but she’s finally stopped crying, so I just keep holding her. I figure if she wants to talk, she will.
Lucas drives fast to the hospital, and we’re there before we know it. He drops us off at the front door with the promise to be right in.
I have my arm around Emery as we walk in. Immediately, we’re surrounded by Nash’s friends and coworkers. They are mercenaries that do special work for the government, at least that’s all I’ve ever gotten out of Emery, but looking at the room full of big, grim-faced men, I know they are definitely the type of men you want on your side.
The one I know as Walker pulls Emery into his arms. “He’s asking for you. Come on, I’ll take you to him.”
Relief hits me hard and fast. I made all these promises to Emery that Nash was going to be fine. If he’s asking for her, then he should be okay. Emery turns to me, and I wave her on. “Go. I’ll be here when you come out.”
She nods and goes with Walker.
Bear, Bobo, and Aiden all walk toward me. Bobo’s hand goes to my shoulder, and he must see the worry on my face. “He’s going to be okay.”
I nod, and my head turns to the sound of the automatic door opening. Lucas is walking toward me, taking in the men surrounding me and then looking at me. I know he doesn’t like that Bobo has his hand on my shoulder, even if it is innocent. I hold my hand out to him. “Lucas, come here and meet my friends.”
He reaches for me and pulls me against him. He’s standing behind me, my back fitted to his front. It’s a protective stance, one that tells them all I’m his. But I don’t mind it. If anything, my heart starts to race knowing that he’s claiming me.
“Guys, this is Lucas.”
Bear is the quiet one, but he extends his hand. “Lucas Granger. I recognize you from the circuit. Great ride last week. You should have gotten first.”
Lucas brings his hand up and shakes Bear’s. “Thanks.”
I point at the guys. “This is Bear, Aiden, and Bobo. They all work with Nash.”
“I’m sorry about your friend,” Lucas says.
Bear waves his hand. “It’s sort of part of the job. Nash will be fine. He’s survived bullet wounds before.”
I can feel Lucas’ surprise. Probably at some point I’m going to have to explain this all to him.
The guys all talk a little, and I tell them I’m going to go grab a coffee. Lucas goes with me. “Soooo—” he starts.
I stop in the middle of the hallway next to the coffee vending machine. “If you want to go, someone can drive us back to Whiskey Run.”
He crowds behind me, turning me in his arms. I’m leaning back against the wall, and he’s hovering over me. “No can do, sweetness. I’m not leaving you with them.”
I laugh then, loving the fact that he sounds jealous. I put my hands at his waist. “They’re all married. I mean all of them but Bobo. But you don’t have to worry about that. I only have my eyes on one man.”
He leans down and nuzzles his lips against my neck. “That’s right... and your man is going to make sure you’re safe. Did they say what happened to Nash?”
“Uh, I should probably mention that Nash is Emery’s ex-husband, and he’s some kind of mercenary for the government. I’m sure it’s something work-related.”
He nods, but he’s looking at me with concern. “I’m fine. Don’t worry about me. You need to go so you can still make the rodeo. You said this is a big one.”
He slides his hands around and pulls me to him so that our bodies are flush against each other. “Nothing is as important as this... me and you, Becca. I was going to wait until the end of the rodeo, but I can’t. I’m retiring. I’m thirty years old, and it’s time I stay in one place.”
I’m holding my breath when I ask him, “And where’s that?”
He cups my cheek and searches my eyes. “Don’t you know? It’s wherever you are, baby. That’s my home.”
“You can’t give up...”