The Men With the Golden Cuffs(128)

“You will.” Grace walked to Serena’s side. “Is Bridget all right?”

Serena nodded, relief etched on her face. “It was close, but she’s going to be okay. The doctors say Ian probably saved her life. He held her together with his own hands until the EMTs got there. I can’t thank you enough.”

Ian simply sighed and started for the door. “You’re welcome. I’m glad your friend is all right. I just wish I could have saved Lara.”

Ian walked out, the door closing behind him.

Sean grabbed his wife’s hand. “Little one?”

Grace nodded toward the door. “Go after him. Eve can give me a ride home. Your brother needs you. Put aside the rest of it for one night.”

“He won’t talk about it, but I can buy him a drink.” Sean looked to Liam and Alex. “Come on. Let’s take the boss out for a beer.”

“I’ll take the pregnant lady home.” Eve put a hand on Adam’s shoulder. She went on her toes and kissed his cheek. “You three should talk. Good night, Serena. If you need me, my door is always open.”

Eve and Grace said their goodbyes and left for the night.

Chris sighed. “And I need to get back to Bridget. She should be moved out of ICU in a couple of hours. I think I convinced them to let me stay the night with her. She doesn’t like hospitals. I don’t like cots, but my hatred of discomfort is overcome by my love for my girls.”

“How did you get in? They wouldn’t even tell us what room she was in. The cops had to tell us she was still alive.” Adam had been frustrated for hours.

Chris smiled brightly. “Oh, they let me in to see my sisters.”

“So you lied?” Jake stood staring at Serena even as he spoke to Chris.

Chris hugged Serena gently. “Nope. I just think society places far too much importance on blood and not enough on love. Night, my sister. I love you. I’ll call tomorrow, and don’t you worry about a thing. I’ll take care of Bridget, and we’ll handle Lara’s arrangements later.”

Tears dropped down Serena’s face as she nodded Chris’s way. “Love you, too. I’ll come by tomorrow.”

Chris left and they were finally alone.

Serena knelt down to pet her dog. She hugged Mojo, her face stroking his fur. “I really am sorry about the whole hospital thing. I thought it was best.”

She thought it was best to keep them from her when she was hurt? Adam took a step forward. She’d been shot, but all he wanted to do was make sure she was tied up so she couldn’t leave.

“Your ride just left.” Jake was unmoving, his big form straight and solid.

A faint smile crossed her lips. “I kind of hoped I had one here. Or two. I guess I was really hoping for two. If I don’t have two, you should tell me now so I can catch Chris. I’m afraid I’m not good at compromise. I want you both. I want everything.”

A surge of hope filled Adam. “Serena, you be sure. You be sure this is what you want because I won’t ever let you go.”

Jake finally moved, walking toward her. “She’s not going to change her mind. She’s finally figured it out. And she should know there’s going to be some punishment for keeping us out of the hospital.”

Now she simply smiled, her face lighting up. God, that smile lit up his whole fucking world. “I thought I was keeping us all safe, Sir. Should I call you Sir outside of the club?”

Jake put a hand on her head, his eyes softening at the contact. “No. I like the way you say my name. But, Serena, there is something else you’re going to call me. You’re going to get everything you want, but you have to call me and Adam by special names.”

Oh, Adam knew just what name he wanted. And he wanted to share the name. “Husband. You’re going to call us husband, Serena.”

“I can’t think of anything better.” She closed her eyes, seeming to revel in Jake’s touch. Even as her eyes were closed, she reached her hand out, calling to Adam. He didn’t hesitate. He took her hand, threading his fingers through hers. Connected. This was what he’d wanted for days, for weeks, for long before he’d met her. He’d longed for the woman who could accept the man he was inside, the freak who needed Jake to be complete, the soldier who had to protect, the lover who wanted to take care of her.

“I love you, Serena.” He said the words like a benediction.

“I love you, baby.” Jake’s smile could be heard in his voice. Satisfaction and contentment oozed from Jake. Peace. That was what Serena offered them both. A family. They were going to be a family.

Crystal tears dropped on her cheeks. “I’m glad because I love you both. When I thought I might die, all I wanted was one last moment with you. I won’t check out again. I was scared, but I’m not anymore.”