Junayd shook his head. His eyes moved back to Midnight’s peaceful face. Now that he had found her again, he wasn’t going to walk away.
“I’d like to stay with her—for my peace of mind.”
Idella lifted an eyebrow.
He returned her steady assessment with a calm expression.
Her answering smile was a tiny movement at the corner of her lips, barely noticeable at all.
“You can keep Harry company,” she stated.
The door separating the room from the surgery opened as if on cue, and Harry stepped inside.
“Best to keep an eye on her for a while in case she wakes and feels disoriented,” Harry commented.
Junayd briefly bowed his head in acknowledgement. He could understand their need to protect Midnight, especially with her being in a vulnerable position right now. He appreciated their concern.
He tucked the covers around Midnight and pulled a chair next to the bed. Harry walked Idella to the door, promising to keep her posted on Midnight’s recovery.
Junayd settled into the cushioned chair. He reached over to gently grasp Midnight’s hand while Harry quietly shut the door behind Idella and pulled the chair in the corner closer to the bed on the other side.
Minutes later, Harry’s soft snores filtered through the room. Junayd released a low chuckle. It brought back memories of his residency. Falling fast asleep sitting in a chair in the break-room used to be a regular occurrence.
He tenderly caressed Midnight’s hand with his thumb, his thoughts replaying everything that had happened since they first met. Despite the fatigue pulling at him, he would watch over her.
No one will harm you again, jamilat raqisat alqamar,he vowed, closing his eyes and falling into a light sleep while still holding her hand.
Eight
Midnight opened her eyes and blinked in confusion. The dull ache in her side and her leg reminded her of where she was and why. Her lips curved in a rueful smile when she saw Harry’s wrinkled face relaxed in sleep. His withered hands were crossed over his belly and his mouth hung partially open before he suddenly opened his eyes. Her smile grew when he gave her a wink. He nodded to her right.
She followed his gaze, and her breath caught in her throat. Junayd was sitting in a chair next to the bed, asleep.
He’s beautiful,she thought in wonder.
It took a moment to realize that his strong fingers were wrapped around hers.
“I’ll leave you two alone, unless you’d like me to stay,” Harry said in a low voice.
Midnight turned her head toward Harry. There was no missing the twinkle of speculation in his eyes.
She flicked her fingers back and forth, motioning for him to leave. He dipped his head in acknowledgment and smiled.
She didn’t need a babysitter. Besides, from everything she had learned over the last few weeks about Junayd Saif-Ad-Din, it was highly doubtful he intended to harm her. He had devoted his life to saving people, much like Idella and many of the others here at the club.
She turned back to study Junayd’s relaxed face. Regret filled her. She wanted to caress his warm skin, but the thought scared her. It was such an intense, unusual desire for her to have.
I need to get out of here before I do something crazy. If Harlem taught me anything, it was to be wary of what you wish for!
She ever-so-gently, untangled her fingers from his, gritted her teeth against the pain she knew was coming, and carefully rolled off the opposite side of the bed. Years of practice had her landing on her socked feet on the floor without making a sound or moving the mattress.
A quick perusal showed she was in the recovery room at Colours. Her eyes flashed over the toes of her boots sticking out from under the bed. She gingerly bent and retrieved them before she searched for her bag. It wasn’t in the room.
“I was in the military for eight years, and you are exceptionally light on your feet.” Junayd paused to look at his watch. “Especially considering that four hours ago you were near death’s door.”
His velvety voice rolled over her like a warm wave. Her immediate reaction sent a shiver of warning down her spine. The guy was addictive, and she didn’t like the way she was drawn to him.
Remember what nearly happened to mom!