Chapter 18

Dead. Surely she was dead.

That, or this was hell. Because heaven wouldn't hurt this much. Be this cold.

Blake blinked open her eyes, cursed at the jolt of pain through her head, then closed them again. Nothing that simple should be that painful. Like breathing. All she did was suck in a small breath, and her ribs felt as if they were being pried apart. Sharp, stabbing jabs down each side, pulling her under.

She let go, floating in that numbing darkness, drifting in and out, until a steady beep pulled her back up. This time, the room didn't flip flop when she opened her eyes, the bright light making her squint.

Either it was daylight, or someone had a spotlight on her.

God, she hoped it was the first because the other meant she'd only dreamt she'd escaped. That somewhere between them tasering her and what she'd thought was her plunging into the ocean, had really been them dragging her onto Russo's boat. That when she finally focused on her surroundings, the bastard would be there. Grinning.

A shift of her head assured her she wasn't on a boat. It looked like a hospital room, complete with monitors sounding in the background and a stuffed bear sitting on a tray beside her.

She tried to push up onto her elbows — failing when the simple motion stole her next breath. Leaving her lying there, cursing.

Someone sighed from the other side of the bed, the familiar tone soothing the anxious roil of her stomach. "Out for days, and you wake up ready to fight. You are every inch the spitfire Hawk claimed the night we met."

Blake inhaled, swore against the sharp pain streaking through her ribs, then turned, looking up into the bluest eyes she'd ever seen. He had bruises over half his face and bandages peeking out through the top of his shirt.

He'd never looked more handsome.

She tried to roll her eyes, but probably only succeeded in winking at him. "Says the guy who looks like he went ten rounds with a tank and lost."

Kian moved in close, slipping her hand into his. "At least I'm standing, sweetheart. Which is more than you'll be doing for a few days."

He leaned down, brushing his lips across her forehead. "Don't ever scare me like that, again. When you tipped over the edge and into the ocean…"

"I knew you'd come for me." She licked her lips, accepting the water he offered her. "Russo?"

"Alive, but Porter took his ass back to jail. Got him transferred to Leavenworth. He won't be bothering you for twenty to life."

She nodded, but it fell flat. Alive meant threat, and he obviously knew it, too, because he sighed, again. Brushing his thumb across the back of her hand.

Kian nodded. "I know, but… let's celebrate the win, even if it's just for now. Okay? Besides, I have a few connections in Leavenworth. Might have already had someone pay Russo a visit. If the man wants to die of old age, he'll leave you alone."

"You threatened Russo? In prison?"

"Anything for you, sweetheart."

God, the way the endearment slipped off his tongue. It made her acutely aware that, despite everything Kian and his team had done — the fighting, the extreme maneuvers — Porter would still want to move her. Put her someplace Russo didn't know about. Not that she wanted to go, but just looking at Kian's injuries brought it all into focus. That she couldn't risk everyone's life just for her own happiness.

Kian frowned, running his fingers along her cheek. "Whoa, Blake, what's wrong? You don't have to cry, sweetheart, everything's?—"

"But Porter…"

She couldn't finish that statement. That Porter would tear her away from what had become her home. What was Kian's home with his team.

Kian brushed some of her hair back, his fingers lingering against her skin. So warm. So full of life. "Porter's not the enemy. He only wants what's best for you. Though, he realizes that if you're not safe here, with me and my team, then you're not safe anywhere. He did, however, suggest you change your name again."

She frowned. Had Kian implied Porter was going to recommend she stay on the Big Island? Just change her name? "Another identity?"

"Not exactly. Just a new last name. I told him I agreed, on one condition." He smiled. "That I get to pick it. How do you feel about Blake Amelia Fox?"

Blake blinked, opened her mouth, then closed it. Wanting to ask if he was serious, but unable to get anything out, because… damn. Had she heard him right?

It took her a minute to get her tongue working — do more than gasp. "Fox?"

His smile widened. Made all that light shining in through the window seem dull in comparison. "I know, it's not as cool as Garrett, but… I have to admit. I love the sound of it. Just like I love you. So, what do you say? One last change, because this one's gonna be forever."

She was crying. She knew she was. Tears slipping down her face, as she tried not to laugh — what might pull out stitches or send her into the ICU. Something to take her away from him. "Not as cool as Garrett. But I love it way more. Just like you."

Kian rolled his eyes. "You do know how this works, right? I ask you to marry me. And you say, yes, not some coded, cryptic answer."

She laughed, regretting it just like she'd imagined. "You know it hurts when I laugh."

"Then say, yes, and I'll let you go back to sleep."

"No sleeping. But yes, I'll marry you. As long as you promise you won't nearly die on me, again. And yeah, I can tell by looking at you that you came close."

"I can't let you upstage me, sweetheart. What will my teammates think if you're the only one always pushing the limits?"

"That we're a perfect fit?"

He chuckled. "Always an answer. Rest. I'll be here until I can wheel you out of here. Then, we'll find a place to call home, because I'm not living above your damn hanger."

"Deal. Now, aren't you supposed to kiss the bride?"

"Hell, yeah."

He claimed her mouth. Not long and hard. Just a soft press of his lips on hers. A promise of what was to come.

Blake hummed, resting her head against him when he climbed onto the bed. Not enough he'd hurt her, just a comforting weight next to her. He drew his fingers through her hair, lulling her back to sleep. Only this time, she didn't have to worry about nightmares or monsters. He'd be there to slay them, exactly like he'd promised.

Two weeks later…

Blake leaned against Kian as he piloted their new boat along the coast, enjoying the warm breeze blowing in off the ocean. Seagulls cried overhead, the light scent of the water filling the air. The sun was already heading toward the horizon, the first hints of orange and red painting the sky.

Everyone was on deck, music playing in the background as they headed for the cove not far from the marina. Just enough to make everything official.

Porter ambled up beside them, beer in one hand, a piece of pizza in the other. "You know, Blake, when Kian told me he wanted you to take his last name, I thought he was dreaming. Who knew you were such a romantic."

Blake looked up at Kian, loving the way he rolled his eyes at Porter. "Guess I finally found a reason to hope, again."

Porter gagged, shaking his head at them. "Just… stop."

Kian chuckled. "Jealousy does not suit you, brother."

Porter paused, looking at Kian for a moment before laughing. "I just want to enjoy the win without you two making me sick. Not often I get to see the happy ending."

Kian muttered something under his breath about Porter being the romantic one, but Blake didn't miss the fact he'd called Porter, brother. That ever since the man had put his life on the line for her, Kian had made him an official member of their team. Porter had even put in for a transfer to the Honolulu office and was scheduled to start next week. While it wasn't as close as having him stationed on the Big Island with them, it was a quick chopper ride, and Blake had already promised to make a weekly trip so Porter could hang with the rest of the team.

Waylen walked over and handed Porter another beer. "Just keep drinking, buddy. They get less nauseating the drunker you are."

Kian gave Waylen a shove. "Says the guy who just spent the last ten minutes making out with his knocked-up girlfriend. At least Blake and I are getting the order right."

"Really? Has she taken a pregnancy test, then? Because I won't believe it until I see it."

Blake glared at the men. "I'm not pregnant. And no, I'm not going to pee on a stick just to prove it. If it happens, and that's a big if, I'm sure you'll be the first to know. And there's no order, but Kian's right. You two are worse than us."

"We'll have to agree to disagree." Waylen looked around. "This looks like a pretty great spot. And if I have to listen to Harlan practice all the vow shit one more time, I'm going to toss his ass off the boat and you two will have to make a trip to the courthouse."

Kian laughed. "Hey, he was the only one who volunteered to get ordained."

"Like any of us had a choice. It was always going to be him."

Kian simply grinned, slowing the boat until it was gently bobbing on the easy waves. Nothing like the night she'd nearly died. What seemed like a lifetime ago.

Presley met her by the bow, handing her some flowers. They hadn't bothered with anything fancy. Just their friends, food, drinks and the sun setting the scene. Blake had opted for a simple blue dress to match Kian's button up and shorts. Like the white one he'd worn that first night, only without the blood. His buddies were just as casual, and all the ladies wore skirts.

Harlan looked oddly relaxed as he started the ceremony, getting everything right. Which is what Blake had expected. The man didn't do anything half-assed.

One long soul-searing kiss, and it was done. Except for the part where his buddies started blowing freaking bubbles at them. What Blake suspected had been Presley's doing. Though, seeing Presley catch the bouquet when Blake all but launched it at her face was enough payback.

There was shouting and singing, the boat rocking as they partied until Waylen finally took the helm — started the short ride back to the marina.

Blake smiled as Kian tugged her against his chest, leaning against the rail — watching their friends gather on the deck, still talking. "They look happy."

Kian kissed her neck, grinning against her skin. "Almost as happy a me."

"Charmer."

"Gotta keep you coming back for more, sweetheart."

"You already promised me this was the last time I'd have to change my name. I'm holding you to that." She glanced back at him. "And yes, that was both a reminder and a threat."

He laughed. "I'm still waiting on that flight around an erupting volcano you promised me. I won't press my luck."

"Oh, it's coming." She leaned against him, enjoying the simple pleasure of being in his arms. "Thank you."

"For what?"

"Everything. Not letting me run off when you had the chance. Pulling me out of the ocean. Beating Russo up with a damn IV pole. But mostly for giving me back my life."

"It's still not your old one."

"It's better because I have you." She turned in his arms, wrapping hers around his neck. "Though, I don't remember agreeing to the name of our boat."

His smile made the sunset look black and white. "I definitely asked you."

"Asking me while I was hopped out on meds doesn't count."

"You're just sore because I didn't name it squid."

"Oh, and Puddle Pirate is better? I thought I'd have to take Presley to the clinic. She laughed so hard, she gave herself cramps."

"At least I didn't name it Kian. Or Blake."

She coughed, then laughed. "Damn, I love you."

"Good. Because I got Porter to make up all the official documents, and the guy will have my balls if you suddenly change your mind."

"Already said, ‘I do,' sailor. You're stuck with me, now."

"Then, shut up and kiss me, already, puddle pirate."

"That's Mrs. Puddle Pirate to you, squid."

"Hell yeah, it is."