Chapter 44

FORTY-FOUR

I watch the slow, even rise and fall of her chest as she sleeps. She's a complete mess, still covered in blood, yet I can't look away. I saw the agony of losing me in her eyes, and if I doubted how Fallon felt before, I never will now.

For the woman who said she would never love, she truly loves deeply. I was happy to spend my life loving her with nothing in return, but knowing she loves me back is a heady feeling, and I don't need the rapid beeping of the machine to tell me my heart is racing at the thought.

The door to my room opens a crack, Elijah's head popping through. When he sees me awake, he rushes inside, practically flinging himself at me. "They told me you were awake. I didn't?—"

"Shh." I point at Fallon. I might like Elijah, might even call him a friend, but if he wakes my woman, I will end him.

He nods in understanding, bringing another chair closer and running his eyes over me. "The doctor said you were awake, said it was a miracle. You want to know what I told them?" I tilt my head, watching him even as I brush my hand over Fallon's head to keep her asleep. "Nothing is impossible when it comes to Kage, not if it has to do with his girl." His eyes go to Fallon. "I knew you'd never leave her alone, not even in death, you crazy bastard."

I can't help but smirk, following his eyes to her. "True. What happened while I was out?"

"Uh . . ." He looks uncomfortable for a moment, and when I raise an eyebrow, he sighs. "I told her I worked for her now, just in case you . . ."

"Died," I supply.

"Yup, that. She was pissed, and then she did like a Carrie revenge thing and had me bribe some cops." He explains everything that happened in detail since I passed out. I can't help my smile, and when he's done, I look at Fallon once more.

"I fucking love this woman."

"You better. Trust me, you don't want to be her enemy." He goes quiet for a moment. "Are you really okay?"

"I will be. Getting stabbed hurts like a bitch though," I admit.

"Yeah, I bet." He laughs. "The public is eating it up—not just your heroic save, but everything. It's insane out there. They had to call in help to keep control of the riots taking place outside the studio. The news stations are rerunning it over and over too, so there is no getting away from it now. Fallon was right, she needed the public, and they are supporting her like she thought. She'll get justice; they all will. They can't do anything but. Hell, I don't think the music industry will ever be the same again."

"Good, it shouldn't be. My girl is changing the world, and I'm so fucking proud of her," I admit. "Keep an eye out for any threats against her or the others. She wouldn't like it if someone got hurt because of her plan."

"Already on it." He smiles at me. "Trust me, remember? Just rest, you deserve it." He stands, putting the chair back into place before grabbing a blanket from the corner and carefully laying it over Fallon.

He offers me another soft smile, and I know I made the right choice with Elijah. He'll look after her like he does me. He'll protect her and lead her like he does me. It's not about money or fame for him—it never was—it's about the journey, and I'm glad he is here for ours .

"Oh, Kage? You should know she refused to leave you, even for a moment. I know you've been in love with Fallon for years, but it seems like she loves you too. What a great match, huh? You're both fucking insane."

"Rude," Fallon grumbles. "Your voice is so loud, Elijah."

His eyes widen, and he glances from me to her before he ducks out of the room, rushing away. "I'll kill him later," I say since I'm trapped in bed. "Go back to sleep, baby."

"I am." She sighs sleepily, and within moments, her breathing deepens again.

I know I should rest, but I just watch her. I thought I'd never see her again. I was always determined to live my life with her to the fullest, but now, I'll never waste a second.

I fight the exhaustion until it finally pulls me under.

My last image is the love of my life.

I spend a week in the hospital. The doctors mean well, but they are annoying, and Fallon has taken it upon herself to ensure I receive not only the best care, but that I also follow their orders, which means no sleeping with her in my arms or fucking her senseless despite my insistence. She's firm, keeping me in check, and I'll admit I'm brooding—or sulking, as she calls it.

I want our home, our bed, and my girl under me, but from the determined glint in her eyes, I know that won't happen yet.

"Doctor, repeat that again," I order him.

He sighs, no doubt regretting his choice to become a doctor because of me. "You are safe to go home."

"And repeat the second bit," Fallon demands, glaring at me, refusing to back down.

"As long as you get plenty of rest. Your body needs to heal," he grumbles. "Like I have said thirteen times. It hasn't changed. We'll process the release papers right now, and you will be given all the medication you need. We'll also provide checkups in person to ensure you're healing."

"See? I'm free." I smirk.

"To rest," she points out.

"Semantics." I wink. "Doc, how long before I can have sex?"

I swear the old doctor's face couldn't turn more purple, and for a moment, he looks at the ceiling as if praying for help.

"Strenuous activity is not advisable for the near future. We'll sign off on it once you are completely healthy."

"What if it isn't strenuous? What if she's on top and I do nothing?" I ask seriously.

He coughs, glancing at Fallon, who simply rolls her eyes. "Um, I would say no."

My frown is dark, and he swallows hard.

"I'll go process those papers now." As he hurries to the door, I swear I hear him mutter, "I should have become a dentist."

I look at Fallon, pouting. "At least take me home."

"Fine, but to rest," she snaps as she stands.

"Will you be my nurse?" I run my eyes down her body. "In a little outfit?"

"I'll be your fucking jailer," she warns as she leans in, brushing her lips across mine. "And I won't touch you until every single fucking doctor in this hospital has signed off on you being okay."

"Don't challenge me, Fallon. We both know I'll win." I'll get a fucking contract for all of them if I need to. Nobody keeps me from touching my girl, not even her.

Smirking, she leans back. "I'll pack your things. Let's go home."